Building Bibliotherapy Skills Reflections
(Online Course)
These reflections come from participants who have taken the online Building Bibliotherapy Skills training.
The online version was developed from the longer-running in-person program, carrying the same depth, warmth and reflective approach into a new format, showing that connection can be felt just as deeply online.
Since offering online delivery in 2025, participants have joined us from Scotland, India, the USA, London, Romania and every state across Australia.
Ananya, Psychiatrist (International)
“As a psychiatrist, I often approach training with a dual lens—clinical curiosity and practical applicability, and completing Dr Susan McLaine’s Building Bibliotherapy Skills course was one of the most quietly transformative learning experiences of my career. From the outset, it was evident that Dr Susan McLaine’s course was meticulously curated. The structure was seamless, the content profound yet accessible, and her facilitation deeply human.
What struck me most was Susan’s ability to create a truly therapeutic space, even online. Each session invited reflection, connection and quiet transformation. Bibliotherapy became not just a learning experience, but a reminder of literature’s power to heal, connect and illuminate.”
Ananya has also shared reflections in a longer guest post on our blog, exploring the incorporation of bibliotherapy into practice.
Mariana, Medical Doctor
“The bibliotherapy online course was a door to the world of the healing power of words and connection. It is a course about what so fundamentally makes us humans, story and shared experience.
The group of students was welcoming, encouraging, and supportive always providing positive and constructive feedback which is just what - as a junior bibliotherapy facilitator - I needed.
Dr McLaine delivers insightful and deeply researched modules while keeping the teachings grounded in years of experience.
I recommend this course to everyone, healthcare providers, parents, carers, and everyone word and story driven.”
Georgia, Secondary School Librarian
“The bibliotherapy course offered by Bibliotherapy Australia is not only a huge learning opportunity in relation to a heart-centred program that can be offered to people of all ages but also an unexpected opportunity for self-reflection.
Dr Susan McLaine has an engaging manner, teaching from the heart, making it easy to not only follow along but to take in what is being taught. Every session brought not only new information but new experiences giving opportunities for reflection, growth, connection and contemplation.
From the perspective of a Librarian working in a secondary school, I was able to see how much of a benefit bibliotherapy would be within my workplace. Today, more than ever, we are seeing so many students with anxiety around schooling and social situations, a lack of resilience and often feeling isolated from their peers. The course has shown me just how much of an impact bibliotherapy could have on some of these students.
The course also gave me a great insight into my own insecurities, my own way of coping with situations and ingrained behaviours that I had not looked at before. It is so easy to not think about things you do every day and keep doing them, often with no positive impact. Dr Susan really helped me see how small changes in perception can alter interactions greatly in everyday life. When we take notice of the little things, allowing time and attention to be placed on the right things, the difference is incredible.
This course has changed my life. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in ways to help others but also for those who would like to learn more about themselves.”
Cate, Counsellor, Clinical Family Therapist, Clinical supervision
“I found the heart centred bibliotherapy training with Susan very informative and a helpful introduction to learning about bibliotherapy. Susan was very professional and skilled in her knowledge and delivery of the content. Each module was carefully and meticulously planned and delivered and each session took us on a learning journey that was meaningful and not rushed. I appreciated that time was made available for discussion, comment and post session follow-up if participants chose to.”
Cristina, State Librarian (International)
“I decided to attend the inaugural online Building Bibliotherapy Skills course held by Dr. Susan McLaine after a lot of research on the internet regarding trainings on the topic. What convinced me was, first, the fact that it was held by someone with rich experience in the field, not only theoretically, but also practically, and second, the fact that it was held online, as I am living in Romania. After completing the course I can say the course helped me get a better understanding of bibliotherapy, a more nuanced perspective, both from a theoretical point of view and a practical point of view. The modules combine presentations with practical exercises, and address in a very thorough manner, step by the step, all that it is meant to be and how to organize bibliotherapy sessions in different settings and with different audiences, after careful consideration off the texts, keeping always in mind the outcomes and having a open heart and mind. The atmosphere during the course was very warm, accepting and Dr. Susan McLaine encouraged us every time to ask questions and interact with the people in the group. I am grateful for this opportunity and following this training I intend to develop a bibliotherapy program in the library where I am working, hoping that this initiative will prove beneficial for the community I work with.”
Anna, Yoga Teacher
Building Bibliotherapy Skills was a real treat. All the components of literature and wellbeing were broken down with such clarity and depth that I felt I was given the opportunity to re-learn how I do life, as well as gain a deep understanding of bibliotherapy.
I highly recommend both courses. Dr Susan is a fantastic facilitator, offering rich material, grounded experience and an authentic embodiment of everything she teaches. Learning from her is something I feel very lucky to have experienced.”
Kim, Tertiary Librarian, Grief Support Worker
“Building Bibliotherapy Skills was a so lovely and gentle and there was so much to learn—but because it was lovely and gentle, it never felt pressured to retain it. But I did because of the way you presented it and when I reached the end, I thought, Wow, I’ve learned so much.”
Mo, Therapist, Counsellor and trainer of Counsellors (International)
“The course offered clear, well- thought out, well-grounded and well-researched wellbeing information and process—thoughtfully presented and supported with expanded notes and activities. Being in the UK was no barrier to being part of the group.”
Mary, Grandmother (International)
“Since I was young, reading has always seemed like a task that I had to force myself to do. I wanted reading to be more than just an escape or distraction. Taking this course turned out to be an invaluable and priceless gift to myself!”
Judy, Counsellor
“The course delivered far more than I ever expected—you have given me a real gift, and I am very thankful for it.
I find that I am now more able to express myself, without a doubt, because of this course.”