Bibliotherapy — therapy through reading. Chitacle offers its partner version: not "read a book and discuss," but read a play by roles with a live partner. The voice makes literature something lived differently than silent reading.
What bibliotherapy is
Bibliotherapy is a direction of psychological work in which a text becomes a mediator between therapist and client. Through books and poems it's easier to speak about the difficult: "the character goes through the same as I do" removes the initial defense.
Traditionally, bibliotherapy is quiet reading and discussion. Chitacle offers a different form: partner reading of a play aloud.
How partner reading strengthens bibliotherapy
- The voice makes the text alive. What's read aloud sounds different.
- The partner is a witness. Reading in front of a living person is a different experience than reading alone.
- The partner's line answers. A play by roles is always a dialogue.
- Emotion is drawn out through the breath. The voice bares what the text was keeping.
- The shelter of the role works. You can say what you wouldn't say as yourself.
What exercises are possible
- Cold reading of a play by roles. The basic exercise.
- Reading one scene in different emotional colors. Developing vocal flexibility.
- Reading from the perspective of the "other" character. Developing empathy.
- Reading a monoplay to the client. The therapist speaks in the character's voice — the client listens.
- Discussion of the text after reading. What caught you, what resonated.
What's convenient for a bibliotherapist
- 200+ original Chitacle plays a bank of texts.
- Contemporary language resonates with the client.
- Duologues a convenient format for partner work.
- Monoplays the "therapist reads to the client" format.
- CC BY 4.0 license can be used in any work.
Online supervision through the viewer mode
In the Schedule a Meeting, Read to Me, and Read with a Friend modes, the bibliotherapist can be present at the meeting as a viewer — without authorization, via an invitation link. Sees and hears what happens, without interfering in the process. This gives the ability to observe partner reading in real time and discuss the experience with the client immediately after.
Who to work with
- Individually therapist + client.
- With a couple a shared support for talking about the difficult.
- In a group consecutive sessions with different participants.
How to get the texts
A selection of plays on a specific theme (loneliness, loss, relationships, growth, conflict) can be requested at chitacle.online@gmail.com — the files will be sent for free.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chitacle?
An online theater for two: two people read an original play by roles over video call, right in the browser. 200+ original plays and monoplays — freely distributed under CC BY 4.0. Interface in five languages.
How do I get the play text as a file?
Write to chitacle.online@gmail.com with the play's title — we'll send you the file. You learn the title during your meeting in the theater.
On what terms can I use Chitacle plays?
All plays are freely distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0), perpetually and worldwide, with no rights claims. The only requirement — attribution to the author (Chitacle) and links to our resources.
Can I invite viewers to the meeting?
Yes, in all formats except instant matching. The viewer joins via a personal link. The same works for online supervision: a teacher, psychologist, or coach joins the student's or client's session as a viewer.
What languages does the interface support?
The Chitacle interface is in five languages: Русский · English · Español · العربية · 中文. The play repertoire is being translated and continues to grow.
How much does it cost?
Your first meeting is on us. After that — by individual meetings or a monthly subscription.
Legal side — Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.
Chitacle plays are freely distributed perpetually and worldwide, with no rights claims. You may copy, distribute, perform on stage, create derivative works, and use commercially. The only condition — attribution to the author (Chitacle) and links to our resources.
Your first meeting is on us
Head to the Dressing Room at play-read.online and check the box.
Your first meeting is on us.
Enter the theaterChitacle now speaks five languages — Русский · English · Español · العربية · 中文.
We did it quietly, but properly.