25/10/2026
Do we need books for stories to help us heal? 📚❤️ I've been pondering this question since attending Yolŋu Sorry Business in Arnhem Land.
I was privileged to sit and observe the bungul, the traditional singing and dancing that forms part of the ceremonies honouring the deceased.
And I found myself watching the children.
The babies were enthralled.
The toddlers joined in.
The preschoolers already knew the dance steps.
And the older children seemed to know exactly which story, song and dance would come next.
It was extraordinary to watch.
Generations of knowledge being shared.
Not through books.
Through song, dance, storytelling and participation.
And, being me, my mind wandered to bibliotherapy. 😁
My PhD research explored four processes associated with bibliotherapy:
📚 Identification: Recognising ourselves and our experiences in stories.
❤️ Catharsis: Connecting with and expressing emotions.
💡 Insight: Discovering new understanding about ourselves and others.
🤝 Universalisation: Recognising that we are not alone in our human experiences.
As I watched, I could see connections with all four.
There was identification through cultural knowledge and belonging.
Grief was openly expressed and shared.
The tributes offered insights into people's lives, relationships and contributions.
And as invited non-Yolŋu visitors, Paul and I were reminded that grief connects human beings across cultures, even when our traditions and understandings are different.
But here's where my thinking became interesting.
Does storytelling have to be written down before we recognise its potential to help people heal?
Of course, Yolŋu Sorry Business is far more than a therapeutic process.
It carries cultural knowledge, law, kinship, responsibilities and traditions that are not mine to define.
I wouldn't want to reduce something so culturally significant to a Western mental health concept.
But it certainly challenged my thinking.
Perhaps we have much to learn from the ways different cultures share stories, remember their people and support one another through grief.
I left with more questions than answers.
And you know how much I love a good question! 🤔
What do you think?
Have you ever experienced a story, song or cultural tradition that helped you understand grief, belonging or healing?
I'd love to hear your experience.
👵🎓 Dr Megan Bayliss
PhD in Psychoeducation and Bibliotherapy
Mental Health Accredited Social Worker | Professional Supervisor | Bibliotherapist
Read to Heal 📚❤️
I provide online professional supervision to social workers and allied health professionals across Australia. My booking link is in my Featured section.
