Bibliotherapy Training in Warrnambool: A Reflective Experience

There are moments in this work that stay with you.

In February, we gathered in Warrnambool for an in-person bibliotherapy training.
Participants travelled from across Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the United States.

For a few days, we stepped out of our usual pace.
We read.
We listened.
We noticed what began to shift.

There is something quietly powerful about coming together in this way.
Not to learn techniques, but to experience what it means to meet a story with presence.

One participant, Professor Robin Moeller (US), who travelled to attend the training, reflected:

“As an educator of library and information science professionals, I was looking for a more engaging way to use bibliotherapy with patrons. In the US, we often talk about bibliotherapy as more of a professional counseling practice or a readers advisory activity. After searching for educational opportunities around the world, I found Susan’s approach to be unique.

I expected to learn more about bibliotherapy from Susan, but what I got was a more transformative experience. Not only is Susan a knowledgeable and skilled instructor; she also brings her experience, passion, and compassion for others to each session. Susan gives you the therapeutic experience she teaches you how to develop for others.

I can’t recommend Susan’s training more highly.”

Bibliotherapy is not about finding answers in stories.
It is about making space for something to be seen in their presence.

There is no single way to meet a story.
Only the way that is yours.

If this way of reading and working with story feels familiar, or quietly interesting, there will be an opportunity to explore it further in the coming months. The next Building Bibliotherapy Skills program begins online on Monday 6 July, 7–9pm (AEST).