Welcome to Bibliotherapy Australia

Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses books to nurture personal growth, and improve mental health and wellbeing. The books used vary depending on the type of bibliotherapy, and clinical and non-clinical disciplines.

Here at Bibliotherapy Australia, our world-first Heart-Centred model combines stories and poems with the latest research in neuroscience and renowned psychology theories and practices researched over many years, to develop an understanding of bibliotherapy’s therapeutic intention and the techniques used to implement them. 

Heart-Centred Bibliotherapy

Heart-Centred Bibliotherapy is a wellbeing-focused practice that focuses on engaging and connecting the head and the heart, exploring the connection between our thoughts and emotions, habitual patterns and behaviour, and the often-unrecognised motivations behind them.

As the bibliotherapist brings the words alive, a platform is created allowing both cognitive understanding, and emotional responses to the stories to connect with the participant. This creates new levels of insight for the challenges being faced, and therefore potential for growth.

Each person engaging in bibliotherapy gains something different. Stories and poetry have a multitude of interpretations depending on our individual backgrounds, beliefs and preferences. Even our moods and emotions, as they ebb and flow on the currents of our daily lives; providing myriad ways to promote wellbeing.

Building Bibliotherapy Skills

At Bibliotherapy Australia we deliver training and education courses to a wide range of industry professionals in mental health, aged care, education, libraries and other health professionals in both community-based settings, as well as one-to-one small practices.

Our Building Bibliotherapy Skills course addresses both the ‘biblio’ and ‘therapy’ to deliver the knowledge to begin, or develop an existing bibliotherapy practice, and offers guidelines for selecting literary texts to use as a wellbeing resource.

Opening your heart and mind to the rewarding journey of wellness through literature, our courses provide you with Heart-Centred tools to implement into your own practice with confidence, in a supportive and compassionate environment.

Bibliotherapy Training Courses

2025  Course dates  

In person: Building Bibliotherapy Skills 

2025:  Melbourne, 14-16 January

2025:  Melbourne, 14-16 May 

2025:  Adelaide, July (1st or 2nd week)

2025:  Brisbane, 5-7 August

Other States: please be in touch

 

Online: Building Bibliotherapy Skills 

2025: Commencing 20 January, weekly for 10 weeks

AM and PM sessions available 

 

Online: Bibliotherapy Basics (ALIA course)

2025: Running again in 2025, May-June  

A link will be provided here when registration is open on the Australia Library and Information Association (ALIA) Professional Development Courses members page.

 

Contact Bibliotherapy Australia or if you would like more information or alternatively email Dr. Susan McLaine at drsusan.biblio@gmail.com

Find Out More
Dr Susan’s desire for others to learn how Bibliotherapy can lead to meaningful reflection, conversation and provide solace for the heart and mind is contagious.
Pam,
Pam, Teacher Librarian
Dr Susan McLaine brings to ‘Building Bibliotherapy Skills’ all the warmth and wisdom of her love of literature and the people who listen and are enriched by it.
Elizabeth,
Elizabeth, Mental health program professional
Building Bibliotherapy Skills’ balances theory with activities and discussions and is designed to equip participants to confidently devise their own Bibliotherapy practice.
Jennie,
Jennie, Librarian, Bibliotherapist
The course was fantastic and I’m very glad that I enrolled. It was a very thought-provoking course, and Susan’s calming presence allowed easy participation. I feel that I now have a good understanding of what bibliotherapy is.
Rebecca,
Rebecca, Speech Therapist
Wonderful inclusive sessions that taught all aspects of bibliotherapy, but also as a better person in community. I loved the modules with clear objectives and review.
Lydia,
Lydia, Teacher Librarian & Mentor
This course has opened up a new way of assisting others in the community.
Alan,
Alan, Author, Counsellor and Men’s Health Advocate
Susan has designed a very achievable, structured introduction to bibliotherapy. The modules build on one another, and the content is accessible and digestible. The materials are supportive and useful, and the reading resources are rich, varied, and interesting. I’m really glad I did the training.
Renata,
Renata, Tertiary Librarian Professional
This was an insightful and delightful course to take part in. Susan delivers a well- informed and useful course that not only explains the theory of bibliotherapy, but also how to run a supportive and therapeutic experience across different disciplines.
Caitlin,
Caitlin, Public Library Professional
This training left me feeling well prepared to begin a bibliotherapy program of my own and was delivered in a way that left me excited for what is possible.
Jenner,
Jenner, School Librarian
The Building Bibliotherapy Skills course inspired me to go on a journey of making a difference in the world. The course is well run, interesting and inspiring. Susan is a wonderful presenter and has opened my heart and mind to a world of literature and its connection to wellbeing.
Linda,
Linda, Professional Counsellor
Building Skills in Bibliotherapy was a fantastic workshop. It was packed with information and tips to build our skills but thanks to Dr Susan McLaine’s kind, gentle and compassionate approach it never felt overwhelming. Her passion is infectious and I can’t wait to start sharing this wonderful modality within my own community.
Ann-Marie,
Ann-Marie, Health Promotion, Case Manager, Community Services
I wanted to let you know how grateful I am I met you and got to experience these last 3 days immersed in a wonderful heart-centred environment. An environment you created through your genuine generosity, passion and care for others. It shines through you in such a pure way Susan, you are most assuredly a wonderful light in a world that can seem dark at times.
Elsa,
Elsa, Public Library Professional
This training has opened my eyes to so many possibilities.
Danielle,
Danielle, Public Library Professional
I came away deeply inspired by Susan’s bibliotherapy course, which has taught me how to access the healing power of story.
Ellie,
Ellie,Osteopath
I would especially recommend the course to any art/creative therapists as it beautifully overlaps in intention, theory and practice. It is worth doing this course.
Keisha,
Keisha, Art Therapist
Bibliotherapy should be available in all organisations as part of mental health wellness. Susan guides with love, wisdom and grace.
Meral,
Meral, Secondary School Teacher
This course is wonderful – compassionate, informative and deep. It is an excellent overview of the power of literature as a healing tool and bibliotherapy’s potential to harness and facilitate this.
Kate,
Kate, Writer
You won’t regret attending. It made me wish I could attend an actual bibliotherapy session as a participant.
Alicia
Alicia Exploring new career opportunities
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