The Book Sanctuary: Therapeutic Book Club in Chicago, IL

At The Book Sanctuary, we believe books have the power to do more than entertain. They can heal, inspire, and bring people together. Founded in Chicago, Illinois, our therapeutic book club now meets online, making it accessible to readers everywhere. We’ve created a safe and welcoming space for anyone who loves books and seeks deeper connection, reflection, and personal growth. Whether you’re a devoted reader or simply craving meaningful conversation, you’ll find a supportive community that values the transformative power of stories.

What Makes The Book Sanctuary Different?

Unlike traditional book clubs that focus solely on plot points or favorite characters, The Book Sanctuary integrates the insights of well-being coaching into every session. Guided by a licensed therapist and wellness coach, we go beyond the pages of a novel to explore the emotions, themes, and lessons that arise. Each month, we select a thoughtfully chosen book that sparks reflection on topics such as resilience, identity, healing, mindfulness, relationships, and the art of living with intention.

These guided discussions are not about right or wrong interpretations. Instead, they are about creating a supportive environment where members can share openly, listen deeply, and walk away with new perspectives that inspire positive change in daily life.

Whether you join our therapeutic book club to connect with others in the Chicago area, to deepen your personal growth, or to simply enjoy rich and meaningful books in good company, The Book Sanctuary is a welcoming place where stories and community come together.

Navigate Life's Challenges With Other Book Lovers

Many people long to nurture their mental health, build stronger relationships, or live with greater mindfulness, but real-life obstacles often get in the way. Some of the most common challenges include:

· Busy schedules that leave little room for meaningful self-care.

· Difficulty sharing personal experiences in traditional group settings.

· Feelings of isolation while seeking healing and growth.

· Uncertainty about how to begin or sustain positive changes.

Our Therapeutic Book Club in Chicago is thoughtfully designed to support you through these challenges. With a blend of guided reading, open-hearted discussion, and gentle well-being coaching, members gain clarity, encouragement, and a welcoming sense of community.

Each meeting offers a welcoming pause from the rush of everyday life, creating space for thoughtful conversation that uplifts both mind and spirit. With guidance rooted in a therapist’s perspective, our discussions encourage openness, curiosity, and genuine respect for the diverse experiences every member brings.

Available in Chicago & Across the Globe

We know that not everyone can attend in person, which is why we offer online therapeutic book club sessions worldwide. No matter where you live, you can join us virtually to connect with others, engage in insightful conversations, and gain tools that support your wellness journey. Whether you’re in Chicago or halfway across the globe, you’ll find a community that feels like home with our therapeutic book club.

Embrace Your Next Chapter With Our Therapeutic Book Club

If you’ve been searching for a therapeutic book club in Chicago, IL, or if you’d like to join our Book Sanctuary community online, now is the perfect time. Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and discover how the power of books and wellness coaching can guide you toward healing, growth, and authentic connection.

Registration Here

Join Us for Our Next Book

We’re excited to begin the next chapter of The Book Sanctuary!
Want to be part of it? Help us choose our next read and join the community. You can participate in one of two ways:

Therapeutic Book Club (Illinois only): For Illinois residents who would like to use insurance or private pay for a therapy-based group.
Wellness Book Club (Open nationwide): For readers anywhere in the U.S. who want meaningful conversation and reflection through books.

Book Club

General Information

Will the books be provided?

No, you will be responsible for purchasing the book prior to the initial meeting. Links to where to purchase the book will be provided after completed registration.

Where will the meetings take place?

To be determined. The zoom link will be sent via email prior to the meeting.

What is the cost?

We take insurance - BCBS PPO, United PPO and Aetna PPO. If you need to pay out of pocket, please email for more information.

What is the duration of the club?

That depends on the book. Some books may take 4 weeks to get through throughly and others may take longer. During the registration, you get to vote on which book you prefer to read and once chosen, the length will be decided.

What happens if I miss a meeting?

If a meeting is missed, we will recap in the next meeting but meetings will not be recorded.

Is it an open or closed group?

This is a closed group, so once we begin, new members cannot join. If someone would like to join after we have begun, they will have to wait until the next session.

Who will be facilitating the group?

Tatyana Rameau, LMFT

How do I join?

To join, you must fill out the questionnaire here and complete the registration here. If you are already registered as a client, you only need to fill out the questionnaire. You must complete both the questionnaire and the registration if you are not a current client.

Who can join The Book Sanctuary?

Anyone 18+ across the U.S. is welcome. You don’t need to live in Illinois or be a current therapy client, this is a wellness-focused book club open to all readers.

Do I need to be in therapy or have a mental health background to participate?

Not at all. This book club is about wellness, reflection, and connection. While it is facilitated by a licensed therapist, it is not a therapy group.

How often does the book club meet?

We meet biweekly for 75–90 minutes via Zoom.

How do I get the book?

You’ll purchase or borrow your own copy. We’ll announce the selected book a few weeks in advance.

Is this therapy? Will insurance cover it?

This is not therapy and is not eligible for insurance billing. It is a paid wellness and book discussion group designed for reflection and connection.

How do I join the virtual sessions?

This is not therapy and is not eligible for insurance billing. It is a paid wellness and book discussion group designed for reflection and connection led by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

What’s the cost to join?

Participation is $60 per session. This covers professional facilitation, curated discussion questions, and community access.

How many people will be in the book club?

We intentionally keep the group small around 8–12 participants, to create a warm, welcoming space where everyone has a chance to share, connect and connect.

What types of books do we read?

We focus on literature that explores themes of healing, identity, resilience, relationships, and personal growth. Titles may include memoirs, contemporary fiction, and non-fiction that spark meaningful conversation.