“Change the story and you change perception; change perception and you change the world.” Jean Houston.
We are excited to share that Dr Susan McLaine, Director of Bibliotherapy Australia, is bringing the transformational power of creative bibliotherapy to an international audience at the ‘Research and Effective Practices Seminar’, ahead of the IFLA Information and Futures Summit, 29 September 2024.
In today’s increasingly stressful world, people are seeking new ways to manage stress and connect more deeply with themselves and others. Susan’s presentation offers a practical and accessible solution through creative bibliotherapy, a wellbeing-focused practice that uses stories and poetry to help individuals navigate life’s challenges.
Susan’s session will feature an engaging mix of bibliotherapy insights and a live reading of Michiko Aoyama’s What You Are Looking for Is in the Library. Just as the characters in this book find clarity and direction through stories, Susan will demonstrate how creative bibliotherapy can help us shift our internal narratives, reduce stress, and enhance our overall wellbeing.
Susan’s creative bibliotherapy practice encourages personal reflection and growth through the shared experience of storytelling – a practice supported by a wealth of research, spanning resiliency and neuroscience. By integrating these elements, Susan’s creative bibliotherapy approach offers a holistic pathway to wellbeing that is both deeply personal and universally accessible.
“Susan’s enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge of bibliotherapy made a significant impact on my learning experience. The experiential style of the course was both engaging and incredibly practical, offering detailed notes and references that make it possible to deliver this structured approach in a variety of settings. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Susan McLaine to anyone seeking to discover the transformative potential of stories in a supportive group setting.” Christina, Librarian
For those interested in learning more, you can explore further details on bibliotherapy and future training programs by visiting Bibliotherapy Australia. We are currently booking Melbourne training from 12-14 November 2024, with dates for the other states in 2025 to be announced soon.
Meanwhile, please join us at IFLA 2024 to explore the profound impact of creative bibliotherapy and discover how stories can help you reconnect with yourself, reduce stress, and transform your life.