Building Bibliotherapy Skills
The Deepening
In-person and online training with Dr Susan McLaine
A deeper, experiential step into the work.
About the course
Building Bibliotherapy Skills invites you into a deeper way of working with story.
You enter a space where literature becomes a meeting place for reflection, connection and quiet growth. Through conversation and close attention, you begin to understand how stories open awareness, expand perspective and support meaningful connection with yourself and others.
The course brings together experience and theory, showing how literature, psychology and neuroscience meet through reflection and story.
Theoretical understanding is threaded through the learning, allowing insight to arise naturally rather than being taught separately.
Across twelve modules, you engage with readings, conversation and processes that strengthen both insight and practice. Alongside this, you begin to develop confidence in shaping bibliotherapy sessions with presence, care and attention.
You do not need to have completed Bibliotherapy Basics to enrol. This course stands on its own, while also offering a natural deepening for those continuing from the foundation.
Who this course welcomes
This course welcomes both professionals and non-professionals who feel drawn to working with story.
It is often taken by those in mental health, aged care, education, libraries, coaching and community settings, as well as those who wish to extend their reflective reading life.
No prior experience is required. Curiosity, care and a love of reading are enough.Professionals
Those working in mental health, aged care, education, libraries, coaching, community services and other wellbeing or social-prescribing contexts, particularly those in community-based settings or small one-to-one practices.
Professionals often gain practical new tools for their work while experiencing quiet personal nourishment.
Learning experience
The course is experiential and reflective.
As the course unfolds, you will begin to:
build your understanding of how story supports wellbeing
explore how literature opens reflection and awareness
develop confidence in shaping bibliotherapy sessions
understand how presence influences the work
strengthen your ability to work with individuals and groups
Over time, the work becomes more embodied. You begin to understand not only what bibliotherapy is, but how it lives between people.
Course structure
12 learning modules (90 minutes each)
readings, reflection and guided discussion
post-course reflection activities
one-to-one follow-up session
access to course materials for one year
Course format and options
In-person (Sydney)
Three full days
Small group setting (5–10 participants)
Includes refreshments
Online
12 weeks via Zoom
Two session time options
Suitable for Australian and international participants
Course details
Certificate of Completion provided.
Supports personal and professional development.
If you are unable to attend your selected intake, you may transfer to a later course, subject to availability.
Payment options are outlined at the time of enrolment.
Participant reflections
“Each session invited reflection, connection and quiet transformation.”
“A deeply inspiring and practical course grounded in real understanding and care.”
Begin your training
A deeper step into the work, shaped by presence, reflection and care.