Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria

Following on from the last episode on believing in ourselves, we explore unlearning the tendency to base our lives on others' expectations and regain our true sense of self. In the last episode of the series, bibliotherapist Dr Susan McLaine asks us what we need to make our hearts swell with joy. This episode features two readings: Blaise van Hecke, Enid Blyton has a lot to answer for, The road to Tralfamadore is bathed in river water: stories from a gypsy childhood, Busybird Publishing, 2018 Charlotte Mew, 'The call', The rambling sailor, 1929

In this episode, we explore what happens to us when we let others’ expectations of us define success and failure. It encourages us to think about both the physical and emotional aspects of living our lives based on other people’s expectations. This episode features a reading of: Sheryl Gwyther, Dance of the Lascaux ponies, Touchdown Magazine, Vol 104, No. 6, July 2019

One of our most vital human needs is to feel accepted. This episode reflects on how some of us may change who we are to fit in and feel accepted. This episode features two readings: Elizabeth Flux, One’s company, The best Australian stories 2017, Black Inc., 2017 Jenny Joseph, ‘Warning’, Warning: when I am an old woman I shall wear purple, Profile Books, 1997.

This episode explores ethics and values, the foundations on which we base our lives. It asks us to consider the set of rules we use for adult living. This episode features two readings: Cate Kennedy, Puppet show, The best Australian stories 2015, Black Inc., 2015 Rudyard Kipling, ‘If’, Rewards and fairies, 1910.

A common coping strategy for many people is to incorporate a routine to try to control our experiences. This episode helps us to reflect on our own coping strategies. Content warning: this episode features a story which explores suicide, death, loss and grief. This episode features two readings: Mat Ward, Routine, [Untitled] issue: eight, Busybird Publishing, 2019 Robert Frost ‘The road not taken’, Mountain interval, published by Henry Holt, 1916.

Medical experts are saying that agoraphobia – commonly known as the fear of leaving home – is impacting many people as a result of the pandemic. This episode asks how we feel about leaving home and being in situations we can’t control. Content warning: this episode features a story and a poem which explore mental illness, including anxiety and depression. This episode features two readings: Rhiannon Raphael, Why I didn’t leave the house this week, [Untitled] issue: eight, Busybird...

The global health crisis may define the next generation. Bibliotherapist Susan McLaine asks in this final episode, recapping the series, ‘what do we want historians in a hundred years to be saying about our generation?’ This episode features one reading: ‘The lost generation’ by Jonathan Reed, created for the AARP U@50 video contest, published online on YouTube at https://youtu.be/42E2fAWM6rA

Coronavirus has no boundaries or sense of social justice. We are all in this together, and we come into the situation with different challenges, strengths, skills and wisdom. Bibliotherapist Susan McLaine explores how we can unite to help each other with these challenges. This episode features two readings: ‘The honour of mateship’ by Peter Jeppesen (unpublished) ‘No man is an island’ by John Donne, published in Meditation 17 in Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, 1624

In this special children's episode of Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria, host Susan McLaine shares a story and a poem with families to promote imaginative conversations about resilience and viewpoints on the world as it is right now. This episode features readings of the following story and poem: Little Big Tree, written by Tim Brown and illustrated by Andy Geppert, published by Kidiki Publishing, 2010 Scarecrow, written by Janeen Brian, published in The School Magazine NSW

In this special children's episode of Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria, host Susan McLaine shares a story and a poem with families to promote imaginative conversations about self-awareness and strengths that helps us get through challenging times. This episode features readings of the following story and poem: The march of the ants, written by current Australian Children’s Laureate Ursula Dubosarsky, currently unpublished (to be published in 2021 as a picture book) Paper boats,...

This common experience we’re sharing is changing the meaning of community itself. Bibliotherapist Susan McLaine asks if this pandemic may bring people closer, redefine and revitalise the concept of community. This episode features two readings: ‘Neighbours’ by Tim Winton, published in Scission by Penguin, 1998 ‘8 x 10 colour enlargements $16.50’ by Cate Kennedy, published in The Taste of River Water by Scribe Publications, 2011

Lockdown has changed how we socialise, but most people will feel the need to connect during this pandemic. Bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to help us think about deep connection. This episode features two readings: 'Tea with the Birds' by Joanne Harris, published in Any Girl Can Be a CandyKiss Girl!/Tea with the Birds/The G-SUS Gene (Storycuts). Copyright © Joanne Harris (http://www.joanne-harris.co.uk/). Reproduced by permission of the Estate c/o Rogers,...

With social restrictions, we are spending a lot of time in our homes. In this episode, bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to explore the concept of harmony in the home. This episode features two readings: ‘A poison tree’ by William Blake, published in Songs of Experience, 1794 ‘The Exalted Rhythm’ by Liliane Grace, published in Untitled issue three by Busybird Publishing & Design, 2010

Challenges have two sides: the things we need to let go of when entering the challenge, so we can face the challenge. And the things we need to let in, so we can get to the other side of the challenge and make a better life for ourselves. In this episode, bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to explore letting go and letting come. This episode features two readings: ‘The Guest House’ by Rumi, published in The Essential Rumi, first published in 1273 ‘Missed...

In this episode, bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to help us reflect on what's emerging from the current crisis, within each of us, and in all of us. This episode features two readings: ‘Three questions’ by Leo Tolstoy, published in What men live by, and other tales, 1885 ‘The call’ by Charlotte Mew, published in The Rambling Sailor, 1929

It’s helpful to press pause in what is a challenging time for so many of us. In this episode, bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to provide a mental, emotional and spiritual break. This episode features two readings: ‘The gift of space’ by Susan McLaine (adapted from 'The other room' by Rob Parkinson, published in Transforming tales: how stories can change people by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2009) ‘Quiet’ by Cate Kennedy, published in The Taste of River...

Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria is a new unique podcast series that offers respite from the anxiety of coronavirus times, via the healing power of great stories and poems. The podcasts guide the listener, helping them to reflect on the challenging pandemic situation we find ourselves in. In the first episode, we consider the universal experience we're sharing, as well as our unique experiences and different reactions to this new reality. This episode features two readings: “Sonnet”...

Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria is a new unique podcast series that offers respite from the anxiety of coronavirus times, via the healing power of great stories and poems. Hosted by bibliotherapist Susan McLaine, the podcasts guide the listener, helping them to reflect on the challenging pandemic situation we find ourselves in.