What does bibliotherapy look like?
At Bibliotherapy Australia, stories are offered through a presence-led, invitational approach grounded in reflective reading and attentive presence.
A reading experience may begin with a poem, a paragraph, a retreat, a podcast or a longer reflective reading journey.
A carefully chosen story matters. So does the way it is offered. Meaningful encounters with story arise not only through the text itself, but through the conditions in which it is met: presence, invitation, curiosity and care.
Through reading, people may find comfort, insight, companionship or new ways of seeing themselves and the world around them.
Rather than prescribing stories or directing readers toward a single meaning, stories are offered as invitations to meet something in our own way.
And now, your story
There is no single way to meet bibliotherapy.
Some begin quietly on their own.
Others are drawn to meeting in community.
Or to bringing this way of reading to others.
Wherever you are, there is a place to begin.
Choose your own story
Experience Bibliotherapy
A way of meeting story together.
Guided reading experiences for slowing down and being with a story.
Be Your Own Bibliotherapist
A quiet way to meet story on your own.
Reflective reading pathways and guides to support your own reading.
Bring Bibliotherapy to Others
Learn how to guide others in meeting story.
Training and courses for those who wish to offer this work to others.
In conversation with Dr Susan McLaine
Reflective reading, bibliotherapy, and the meeting between reader and story.
A conversation exploring Heart-Centred Bibliotherapy, the presence-led approach developed by Dr Susan McLaine, and the role of stories thoughtfully selected and offered to be met in each person’s own way.
Reflections from the work
A small selection of reflections from people who have met the work.
“Susan invited each of us to shape our own unique approach to bibliotherapy.
What I learnt continues to echo through conversations with clients, colleagues and friends.”
Karen, Educator and Strategist
“As a psychiatrist, I found the course quietly transformative.
Susan created a space that invited reflection, connection and gentle change.”
Ananya, Psychiatrist
“The course was life-changing. Susan’s knowledge, presence and compassion created a truly supportive learning environment.”
Kim, Public Librarian
Publications and organisations we’ve worked with
A small selection from the places our work has appeared.
