Bibliotherapy is more than reading. It is a reflective and relational process that uses literature, poetry and story to deepen emotional awareness and support wellbeing. This two-hour online introduction will offer participants an experiential glimpse into Heart-Centred Bibliotherapy—a model grounded in psychology, neuroscience and reflective practice.
Counsellors and psychotherapists will explore how story can invite reflection, foster compassion and strengthen therapeutic presence. A short guided bibliotherapy session will demonstrate how this approach works in practice, while pointing toward further study for those who wish to integrate the work more fully into their professional context.
This Zoom webinar will combine short theory input, illustrative case reflections, and experiential learning. Participants will engage with brief readings, reflective dialogue, journaling, and a short guided bibliotherapy experience. The case reflections will draw on composite examples from practice to demonstrate how bibliotherapy principles can be applied ethically and effectively within counselling contexts. The session is designed to provide both conceptual understanding and felt experience, while introducing pathways for further professional training.
Learning outcomes:
- Gain an introductory understanding of Heart-Centred Bibliotherapy and its psychological foundations
- Explore how story and metaphor can support reflection and regulation
- Experience a short guided bibliotherapy session for personal and professional insight
- Consider ways reflective reading might be applied within counselling contexts
- Identify next steps for developing bibliotherapy skills through training or mentoring
Who is this event for?
This event is designed for counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists and wellbeing practitioners. Suitable for all levels of experience. The approach complements a wide range of therapeutic modalities and is applicable across individual and group settings. It is particularly relevant to work with clients navigating transition, grief, identity and emotional regulation.
Event Details
Date: Friday 12 June, 2026
Time: 6pm - 8pm (AEST)
Location: Online via Zoom
Please check your time zone to avoid disappointment
Recording provided to all registrants
Presenter: Dr Susan McLaine
Dr Susan McLaine is the founder of Bibliotherapy Australia and a leading practitioner-researcher in reflective reading for wellbeing. Her PhD was the first to examine bibliotherapy from the facilitator's perspective, resulting in a heart-centred framework now informing practice internationally.
Susan teaches and mentors counsellors, psychotherapists and health professionals to integrate literature, psychology and reflective processes into their work. Her approach shows how story, experienced with awareness and compassion, can deepen therapeutic presence, insight and connection.
* Please note that presenter bios are prepared by the presenters and are shared as provided without modification. They reflect each presenter's own professional journey and perspective.
CPD
Attending this webinar counts as 2 hours of Category A CPD (Continuing Professional Development). Watching a recording of this webinar, which will be provided to registrants, can be used towards 2 hours of Category B CPD.
You must attend 75% of a webinar to receive a CPD certificate for Category A CPD.
Ticket Prices
PACFA Members: $35.00 + GST ($38.50)
Student Members: $25.00 + GST ($27.50)
Non-Members: $50.00 + GST ($55.00)
What to Expect After You Register
Once registered, your personal Zoom link will be dispatched directly to you via email from Zoom within 1 hour of registration and 1 hour prior to the event. Please keep an eye on your inbox for an email from Zoom ([email protected]). All future correspondence pertaining to this event, including event recordings, will be communicated through the PACFA email address ([email protected]). To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend adding both email addresses to your safe sender list to prevent missed communications.
Alternatively, you can find the Zoom link if you log into your account under the "My events" tab.
Event Cancellations
Customers seeking to cancel their registration more than 5 working days (for courses) and 48 hours (for webinars) prior to the event date may request a credit to be applied to their account. Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Cancellations made with less notice than this are non-refundable or exchangeable. Credits are valid for up to a year from the purchase date. This policy is at PACFA's discretion and may change.