When Reading Becomes a Wellbeing Practice: National Education Summit

Susan McLaine reflects on the quiet power of stories in wellbeing, ahead of her presentation at the 2025 Brisbane National Education Summit.

Next week, I’ll be heading to north to Brisbane to speak at the National Education Summit, as part of the Wellbeing Stream on July 31, 2025.

It’s a joy to be part of this gathering of educators, leaders and wellbeing practitioners who are working to create learning environments where care, creativity and connection can flourish.

In my session, I’ll explore how reading — when approached with presence and intention — can become a wellbeing practice in its own right. Not just a source of insight or inspiration, but a way of helping students (and teachers) name what they feel, make sense of their inner world and feel less alone.

Whether it’s a line of poetry that unlocks a hidden truth or a shared story that invites conversation, stories can offer more than knowledge — it can offer reflection, comfort and possibility.

If you’re attending the Summit, I’d love to see you there.

Until then —
Susan
Founder, Bibliotherapy Australia