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https://www.pagesforwisdom.org/

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Pages for Wisdom offers continuity of care and waitlist management for mental health services. Guiding vulnerable communities out of social isolation through connection, creation & collaboration.

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https://www.instagram.com/pagesforwisdom/

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https://www.facebook.com/pagesforwisdom/

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A big hello and welcome! Here's a little bit about me.

After a decade-plus career in investment banking, I was really keen to pursue my passion for literature, writing and psychology having successfully published a non-fiction book titled "The Happiness Mindset". The book's received more than 50 reviews on Amazon with a 5 star rating. I wrote the book post-completion of a diploma in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy, a skillset that complements my passion for carefully curating apt books for others. Book curation and bibliotherapy was inevitable. I now help clients find the perfect books for personal interest and mental well-being. My book recommendations have featured in and various other publications.I've also written short literary guides along with confessional and contemporary poetry. In this role I have had the opportunity to write various literary essays and pieces for newspapers and magazines. I have undertaken bibliotherapy workshops for The United Nations, various corporate organisations in the UK and US and a variety of libraries in New York and London. I also have a podcast with speech and language therapist Sunita Shah of The Jai Jai's on Raising A Reader & Storyteller.

I'm a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and the American Library Association. I've also completed a post-graduate professional accountancy qualification and Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from the University of Warwick, after attending Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls. I'm a mum of two and we currently reside in Hampstead, London.
A Novel Literary Advice Service
As a little girl, I loved receiving book recommendations from trusted friends and family. Finding the next great read became an addictive habit to mitigate those post-book blues. I loved helping others find new books too and my passion for reading, writing reviews and literature in general inspired me to launch Book Therapy - a novel literary advice service that helps match people to books based on their individual needs, interests and reading habits.
Book Curation and Personalised Book Prescriptions
Helping others discover wonderful new books (and old) meant understanding their current needs. The books prescribed could be for a specific predicament they find themselves in (for example, struggling with bereavement, friendship breakups, ticking biological clock, fatherhood, redundancy, regret etc) or they could be a travel prescription for a holiday read (check out ourbook prescription for New York for example).

The personalised book prescriptions have been very popular. These are prepared in the form of detailed, recommended reading lists that comprise a minimum of seven to ten books. Plus, if you prefer the books too whether, paperback, hardback, Kindle or Audiobook there's the personalised book box. And you can also gift these for a friend, family member or loved one!
Want to sample a book prescription before you buy?
Then check out the free list of book prescriptions titled A - Z of Book Prescriptions These cover a variety of genres ranging from literary fiction, historical fiction, romance, classics, thrillers, non-fiction, self-development, spiritual, food, dance, the arts, culture, society, parenting, biographies and memoir, essays, true crime, audiobooks, photography etc. They also cover different life situations (e.g. anxiety, job change, relationship heartache) as well as interests (e.g memoir, historical fiction, non-fiction etc). There's also a children's reading list: Children's A - Z of Book Prescriptions. Feel free to subscribe to thetoo.

Prefer to self-prescribe or interested in bibliotherapy and mental health? Check out our online course that serves as a comprehensive guide on the practice of bibliotherapy using case studies of readers' self-transformation through life-changing experiences of literature.
PS is one of our sponsors. Being a mother, I mostly listen to audiobooks - it's the easiest way to keep up-to-date on all my reading. have an amazing 30-day free trial where you get two free audiobooks. You can cancel anytime if it's not for you. If it is it's £7.99 (UK) or $14.95 (US) monthly which includes one free audiobook every month.
My Partners

Sunita Shah, Speech and Language Therapist & Children's Author

Sunita and I have collaborated on parenting podcast titled 'Raising A Reader & Storyteller', that shares tips and techniques on developing a young reader's love for literature through the acquisition of reading skills, vocabulary, developing their imagination and learning to tell a story. We also discuss the benefits of reading on mental well-being through the practice of children's bibliotherapy.

Sunita is the creator behindThe Jai Jais, a growing collection of books, yoga/mindfulness and educational resources for children centred around Hindu gods and goddesses. Sunita has blended her expertise as a speech and language therapist with her children's natural curiosity about their faith to produce the collection for children of all ages and backgrounds. Sunita's spark to create books about Hindu characters was ignited when her eldest son, Syon who began asking questions about the temple in her home. He would talk about the elephant god, the monkey god and the powerful fork 'trident' of Lord Shiva which he thought was like King Triton from The Little Mermaid.

While being a mother gave her the thirst to produce the books, her background in speech and language therapy armed her with the essential ingredients to write for children. Sunita is the National Advisor for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy and deliver training to the NHS and educational and private establishments on supporting bilingual children.

Alex Taibl, Lifestyle & Commercial Photographer

Alex has been responsible for many of the photos that you see on the website, and has been incredibly valuable in bringing the brand alive.

Alex has worked for over 20 years as a photographer. She specialises in lifestyle, people, spaces and commercial photography.

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Hi, I'm Bijal Shah, a book curator and bibliotherapist, a freelance jo

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Book Therapy was founded by Bijal Shah, a bibliotherapist/book coach, psychodynamic counsellor, author, publisher and entrepreneur. Book therapy reading therapy reading can make you happier reading to heal book recommendations book reviews

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https://www.drtoulagordillo.com/

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Using a trauma-informed writing methodology, the Write Your Self programme helps participants to reclaim their voice through writing. Our eight-step writing process includes key knowledge about trauma, trauma-sensitive writing exercises, as well as tools and resources to help writers find out what they need to create a sustainable and healing writing practice in the longer-term.Write Your Self is an organisation based in Sweden and their educational programme has a global reach. Find out more here:

Who is this course for? Would it be suitable for me?

In short, it's for everyone. You do not have to call yourself a writer to join the programme, the only pre-requisite is that you're interested in the idea of using creative writing as a therapeutic tool for your own wellbeing. Whilst the programme was created specifically for trauma survivors, you do not need to describe yourself in this way to take part. We work on the principle that trauma, as an experience, is defined and determined solely by the individual - what might be traumatic for one person may not be for another, and we respect and acknowledge this. The programme can also support us to write about a broad range of experiences, not necessarily traumatic, but which can still leave us feeling silenced - for example grief, serious illness, war, discrimination and bullying.
What does the course involve?
Here is a brief breakdown of the modules that we will be covering on the Foundation Programme. Please note that each certified Write Your Self guide will deliver the course slightly differently and will have made their own adaptations. I continue to evolve the structure, format, content and learning materials over time and in line with participant feedback. Each session description is my own interpretation and development of the original methodology.

Session 1: A Room of One's Own (Wednesday 2nd Feb, 6-8pm) In our first session, we will get to know each other better and start to consider what conditions we need individually, and collectively, to write safely and effectively.

Session 2: Begin Writing (Wednesday 9th Feb, 6-8pm) In this session we will try out gentle, introductory writing exercises to lay the foundations for our practice. We will specifically explore stream of consciousness writing as a tool for accessing our authentic voice, granting us permission to write with more freedom.

Session 3: Self-care (Wednesday 16th Feb, 6-8pm) In our third session together, we will review the importance of taking care of ourselves, emotionally and physically, as we write and grow as writers.

Session 4: The Writing Body (Wednesday 23rd Feb, 6-8pm) This week we will consider the idea that our bodies can be keepers of unwritten and unspoken stories that are waiting to be heard. Through various exercises, we turn to our bodies and enlist their help with writing our story.

Session 5: Experimenting with Genre and Form (Wednesday 2nd March, 6-8pm) In session five we will experiment with different genres and play around with various narrative perspectives as a way of further elevating our writing. We will look at the reasons why weaving our own stories into fiction or poetry, for example, could have therapeutic value.

Session 6: Developing a Writing Archive (Wednesday 9th March, 6-8pm) This week, each writer will create their own personal writing archive. This is a live, on-going record or document of writing topics, ideas or even memories that a writer might wish to examine further, in their own time and at their own pace.

Session 7: Creating Wholeness (Wednesday 16th March, 6-8pm) As we head towards the end of the programme, we reflect on our progress so far and delve deeper into the research that has been done in the area of therapeutic writing. In this session we also look at the significance of tense in our writing and healing.

Session 8: Expressing the Wordless (Wednesday 23rd March, 6-8pm) In our final session, we bring together our learning, celebrate our resilience and lean on our community of writing peers to find the motivation that we need to keep writing our stories, especially those that seem to transcend language.
Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to write about trauma during the course?
Absolutely not. You decide what your writing subjects will be, always. Many participants choose not to write about the trauma they've experienced, at least to begin with.
How many places are available?
This programme offers a maximum of 25 places. Groups are closed and kept relatively small to ensure a quality learning experience for all participants, where everyone receives adequate space and time to develop their writing practice.
Will I be expected to share my writing with others?
No, there is absolutely no expectation for you to read aloud or share anything about the content of your writing. The programme is built upon and incorporates trauma-informed principles at all times - this means that you alone will decide your level of participation. All contributions have value, even if that's listening.
Is this course considered a treatment for trauma?
This programme is not a substitute or replacement for any type of counselling, psychotherapy, mental health care or clinical trauma treatment. It is, however, intended to work in tandem with those treatments. Though I am a therapist, when I deliver the programme I offer an educational space, not group therapy. Here, our focus is writing. Throughout the programme you are responsible for your own self-care. If you are struggling with your mental health, feeling overwhelmed, or have very recently experienced a traumatic event, please consider seeking professional support before enrolling.

What you'll receive:

two hours of learning each week with a small group of peers

high-quality workbooks that run alongside the live sessions, which can be completed digitally or printed out

regular writing prompts to try out between sessions to deepen your practice and to maintain momentum with your writing

meaningful feedback on your writing from the tutor and your peers

a recommended reading list, as well as links to other useful resources, e.g. articles, videos and podcasts

a fixed space each week dedicated to your personal and professional development

access to a writing community that you can stay in touch with (if you choose to) - for example, you might like to come together as a group to write and share your work after the programme has finished

a sustainable writing practice that can you can continue to use again and again in the future to support your wellbeing

a discount on the Write Your Self Intermediate programme with Katie

What people say about Katie: A very enriching and healing experience." "I think the course was true to its description. It was a good integration of theory, experimental learning with an increased level of shared reflection time for members who chose to pursue this. A great deal of emphasis was put on safety and choice and this too was appreciated. We were given lots of support between sessions and a variety of media to explore our writing from. Katie, you were generous, thoughtful, boundaried, clear, consistent and respectful of all our needs. A fantastic communicator and enabler who was inspiring to work with. The writing exercises were varied and related to the theme of each week's workshop. I felt the format suited Zoom well." "I have learnt that I can write. I was very nervous about writing before I did this course. I actually didn't enjoy it. Now, I am. I'm enjoying watching my writing and myself flourish as I go on." "Thank you Katie for a wonderful course. I feel that I am at the start of an exciting adventure through writing! Thanks for holding the space so well for everyone...you are a marvellous and inspiring role model." "The content was rich, stimulating and appropriate to our needs. The structure was clear and regular so that we knew what to expect. As a participant, I liked that regularity as it gave me a framework within which I felt safe when I wrote. I found the powerpoint presentations of high quality and a great accompaniment to the course which was delivered online." "Really amazing course leading. Thank you."

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Write Your Self: Therapeutic Writing: Trauma-Informed Foundation Programme - London Lit Lab

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Using a trauma-informed writing methodology, the Write Your Self programme helps participants to reclaim their voice through writing. Our eight-step writing process includes key knowledge about trauma, trauma-sensitive writing exercises, as well as tools and resources to help writers find out what they need to create a sustainable and healing writing practice in the longer-term.Write...

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Storytelling & Arts for Health - Createplace

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Storytelling & Arts for Health - Createplace

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https://www.createplace.net/

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Storytelling & Arts for Health

Evidence-based arts/writing programs for wellbeing and resilience

Createplace Team_edited_edited

Meet the Team

The Createplace team are a collective group of practitioners who have a range of talents, lived experience and links to community , which makes them uniquely qualified to deliver writing programs that foster wellbeing and resilience. Find out about the team's different modalities and experience.

​

They are waiting to meet you...

​

Wellbeing Programs

Ask us to customise a workshop or program to your needs. Whether you require a one-off session at an event or conference, or a comprehensive longer-term wellbeing program, our team can tailor innovative, affordable, and fun storytelling solutions to build resilience and wellbeing for you and your team. The program can be delivered at any time and in any place. Just ask us for a quote...

﻿Pop-up Workshops

Createplace provides places for people to connect, collaborate and learn and for anyone to 'have a go' at storytelling and art activities to enrich their lives and wellbeing . Current workshops on offer include life writing, creative writing, poetry, digital storytelling and fairy tales, held in a supportive and fun environment. Find out how you can attend a workshop here...

Download our
e-brochure here

Become a member here

What our attendees have to say

This was an excellent introductory workshop to enable participants who have experienced grief/trauma to empower themselves through storytelling, reading subtext and re-write their own story.

I gained an understanding of how stories tell something about ourselves and discovered through this work something very valuable.

This workshop demonstrates that using poetry or creative writing to tell a painful story works to share more easily with others.

Externalisation through folk tales made it less emotionally challenging (for me that's a positive).

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Storytelling & Arts for Health Evidence-based arts/writing programs for wellbeing and resilience Createplace Team_edited_edited Meet the Team The Createplace team are a collective group of practitioners who have a range of talents, lived experience and links to community , which makes them uniquely qualified to deliver writing programs that foster wellbeing and resilience.

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https://booktherapy-by-bijal.medium.com/interview-with-pirjo-suvilehto-finnish-bibliotherapist-and-doctor-of-philosophy-literature-39eea8fe6655

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Interview with Pirjo Suvilehto, Finnish Bibliotherapist and Doctor of Philosophy & Literature

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Last week we interviewed Pirjo Suvilehto who is a fascinating Finnish bibliotherapist, having completed a Docent in Literature and a PhD…

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Bibliotherapy - The State Library Victoria 

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Bibliotherapy - The State Library Victoria 

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https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/bibliotherapy

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What is bibliotherapy?

Put simply, the word 'bibliotherapy' is derived from the Greek words for book, biblio and healing, therapeia.

But in a more expansive sense, the word describes an age-old practice of book therapy.

Where the healing power of literature nourishes and comforts us during challenging times.

When poems and stories, read aloud, open a space for us to dwell quietly away from the noise outside.

How texts help us find a way to explore feelings deep within us - and offer potent opportunities for self-exploration and positive change.

'People forget that often it is just such an exceptionally difficult situation that gives man the opportunity to grow spiritually beyond himself.' This single sentence from Victor Frankl in Man's search for meaning still speaks strongly to us after 74 years, for good reason.

How to take part in Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria

Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria is a free, facilitated self-reflective approach, using stories and poems read aloud over a series of podcasts, to give everyone access to literature's healing power.

Bibliotherapy is presented by practising bibliotherapist, Dr Susan McLaine. All the texts are suitable for a mature general listening audience and each episode is accompanied by a suggested action for you, the listener, to try.

You might like to include Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria as part of your self-care routine. If you do, here are some tips to get the most out of each podcast:

Be willing to embrace the experience of being read aloud to.

The story and poem are read slowly ... savour the words, let yourself absorb their meaning and the images they convey.

Try to resist the temptation to do anything else while you are listening. Give the words your complete attention and suspend your judgement.

Notice any feelings that come up for you. You might like to keep a notepad close by to make notes.

Take some time to consider your current situation from different perspectives.

Relax. Enjoy these stories and poems: they are for you.

Listen to Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria

Catch every episode without effort - subscribe to Bibliotherapy on Spotify or on Apple Podcasts.

Season 2

Episode 1 - Going out into the community

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.

Rhiannon Raphael, Why I didn't leave the house this week, [Untitled] issue: eight, Busybird Publishing, 2019

Anonymous, 'Poem from someone who suffers from Agoraphobia', published on the Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria's website.

Episode 2 - Routine

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.

Mat Ward, Routine, [Untitled] issue: eight, Busybird Publishing, 2019

Robert Frost 'The road not taken', Mountain interval, published by Henry Holt, 1916.

Episode 3 - Foundations

This podcast 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:

Episode 4 - Blending in

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:

Episode 5 - Believing in ourselves

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 two readings:

Episode 6 - Being our true selves

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

Season 1

Episode 1 - Reality

In this 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:

Simon Howard 'Sonnet', published on his personal blog Walking in the ceiling.

William Ernest Henley 'Invictus', A book of verses, 1888.

Episode 2 - Press pause

It's helpful to 'press pause' in a time that's challenging for many of us. In episode 2, we allow the healing power of literature to provide a mental, emotional and spiritual break. This episode features two readings:

Episode 3 - Reflect

In 'Reflect', Susan shares literature to help us reflect on what's emerging from the current crisis - both within each of us and in all of us. This episode features two readings:

Episode 4 - Letting go and letting come

Challenges have two sides: the things we need to let go of, in order to better face the challenge, and things we need to let in, so we can make a better life for ourselves on the other side. This episode has two readings:

Rumi 'The guest house', The essential Rumi, 1273

Anonymous 'Missed connection', CraigsList, 2013

Episode 5 - Harmony

Susan shares the healing power of literature to explore the concept of harmony in the home. This episode features two readings:

Episode 6 - Connection

Lockdown has changed how we socialise, but most people will feel the need to connect during this pandemic. In episode 6, Susan shares poems to help us think about deep connection. This episode features two readings:

Joanne Harris 'Tea with the birds', Any girl can be a CandyKiss Girl!/Tea with the birds/The G-SUS gene (Storycuts) © Joanne Harris. Reproduced by permission of the Estate c/o Rogers, Coleridge & White Ltd, 20 Powis Mews, London W11 1JN

Naomi Shihab Nye 'Kindness', Words under the words: Selected poems, Far Corner Books, 1995

Episode 7 - Community

The common experience we're sharing is redefining, and possibly revitalising, the very meaning of community. Susan asks if this pandemic may bring people closer and shares two readings:

Episode 8 - We're all in this together

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. Susan shares texts to explore how we can unite to help each other with our challenges. This episode features two readings:

Peter Jeppesen 'The honour of mateship' (unpublished)

John Donne 'No man is an island', Meditation 17 in Devotions upon emergent occasions, 1624

Episode 9 - Our generation

The global health crisis may define the next generation. In this final episode, Susan asks: 'what do we want historians in 100 years time to say about our generation?' This episode features one reading:

About Dr Susan McLaine

Dr Susan McLaine works at State Library Victoria and is a practising bibliotherapist. For more than 12 years she has researched, written and spoken about bibliotherapy, in Australia and internationally.

In June 2021 Susan was awarded a PhD from RMIT University for her thesis in bibliotherapy.

Find out more about Susan and her bibliotherapy work at Words that heal.

Get in touch

If you'd like to contact Susan with your Bibliotherapy-related requests or inquiries, please email inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au.

Bibliotherapy for kids

You're never too young to experience the healing power of stories! Join Susan for two special kids' episodes of Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria.

These episodes explore concepts that are suitable for children of any age with a parent or carer present to offer guidance.

Listen to Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria for kids.

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Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria

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Put simply, the word 'bibliotherapy' is derived from the Greek words for book, biblio and healing, therapeia. But in a more expansive sense, the word describes an age-old practice of book therapy. Where the healing power of literature nourishes and comforts us during challenging times.

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https://wordsthatheal.com.au/

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Welcome!

'Words That Heal' is a group reading program promoting positive wellbeing developed by Susan McLaine, a leading advocate of bibliotherapy in collaboration with a physiologist, social worker and a general practitioner.

This creative bibliotherapy program involves literary texts (fiction, inspirational stories, poetry) being read aloud in a group by a trained facilitator, followed by discussion around meaning creation. Creative bibliotherapy aims to enrich life quality and life spirit.

Words That Heal is based on many years of contemporary application of bibliotherapy using imaginative literature and data collected from facilitators and service users. It is underpinned by research from the fields of neuroscience, reader response, storytelling, positive psychology and the psychology of fiction. The emphasis is on improving wellbeing through building positivity and empathy.

Susan is in the final stages of a PhD on the subject.

Words That Heal is an initiative of Bibliotherapy Australia.

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Welcome! 'Words That Heal' is a group reading program promoting positive wellbeing developed by Susan McLaine, a leading advocate of bibliotherapy in collaboration with a physiologist, social worker and a general practitioner. This creative bibliotherapy program involves literary texts (fiction, inspirational stories, poetry) being read aloud in a group by a trained facilitator, followed by...

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https://www.100storybuilding.org.au/

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Our mission

Our mission is to provide opportunities for the most marginalised children and young people in our community to build the literacy skills, confidence and sense of belonging that are fundamental to future success.

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100 Story Building | Centre for Young Writers in Melbourne

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Supporting creativity and literacy in children and young people through school programs, online learning and community engagement.

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South Asian Australians Representing Ideas SAARI Collective 

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South Asian Australians Representing Ideas SAARI Collective 

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https://saaricollective.com.au/

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SAARI Collective acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands we now call Australia, on whose lands we live and work. We stand in solidarity knowing sovereignty was never ceded and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the profound value in traditional people's knowledge and actively advocate for more equity and inclusion.

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AUSTRALIA'S LEADING COMIC & GRAPHIC NOVEL PUBLISHING HOUSE, SINCE 2005

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Metro ComicCon Panel Moderator

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FLOCK

(Gestalt Comics)

​"Never thought I'd fall in love with a book about birds.

FLOCK is a masterclass in composition and storytelling". - Justin Randall - " Changing Ways', '30 Days of Night'.

"It's bonkers. Cannot wait for more!". - James Brouwer - Artist: 'The Deep', "Lustration'.

​Sometimes the best stories are the ones told over a beer... Or at least that's what I've heard.

Take this old Digger for instance. It's the 1960s, inner west Sydney. Kentucky Fried Chicken makes its grand opening on our shores. On a quiet sunny day at the pub, this old bloke decides to reflects on his curious life to a mystified bartender.

Starting as a boy in The Great War, the yarn becomes a tale that is stranger than fiction, as he reveals his time with the Australian Army in the signal corp. His life story soon spirals into a tale featuring mobile pigeon coops, the early days of the C.S.I.R.O (and not just the Agriculture stuff), the disappearance of Harold Holt, World War 2, the Emu War, Vietnam, the second Emu War...but maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves.

Best we start at the beginning...

FLOCK #1: Warbird is part 1 of a 4 issue comic book mini-series by Ledger award-winning cartoonist Dr. Paul Mason ( The Phantom, Kid Phantom, The Eldritch Kid: Bone War), and edited by Amanda Bacchi ( The Phantom, The SuperAustralians). Special Guest variant cover artist across the series will be James Brouwer ( The Deep animated series, and graphic novel, Lustration #1, Justice League Beyond #10), with lettering and book design by Wolfgang Bylsma (Gestalt comics EIC, Neverlanders).

This first comic was funded by kickstarter, licensed by Gestalt Comics, and is a full-colour, 48 page European album/magazine sized pages; featuring a short Tales From The Flock #1 story and Griffith Animation pinup Gallery, with the intent of releasing the 4 issues over 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Written and drawn by Dr Paul Mason
Edited by Amanda Bacchi

THE PHANTOM: THE MASKED MARVEL SEQUEL

(Frew Publications)

"Let's get ready to Rumble!" : Lee Falk/Wilson McCoy's The Phantom story 'The Masked Marvel ' from 1948 gets a sequel after 74 years!

The sequel titled The Phantom: Until The Final Bell, sees The Phantom return to the sport of boxing and into the ring to face his toughest opponent, and rescue an old friend in danger. With appearances from past Falk characters, and some of the most famous (and infamous) characters in the realm of boxing, lace up your gloves and get ready to answer the bell for this action-packed Phantom adventure!

The comic is a full - colour 24 page adventure written and illustrated by Paul Mason, with assistant editor Amanda Bacchi, edited by Glenn Ford, published by Frew Publications, on behalf of King Features. The comic story is part of a Masked Marvel special ( The Phantom #1925, August 2022), alongside the original and complete daily comic strip story from Falk & McCoy in 1948, with new colours by Ivan Pederson.

The issue also features a new front and back cover by Paul, and an article "In this Corner: The Phantom and Boxing" written by Paul (edited by Amanda Bacchi), discussing the appearances of Boxing in some of The Phantom's previous comic stories. There is also a special A2-sized Fight Night Poster available to purchase from Frew, and a limited Phantom #1925 Sketch cover variant edition.

The Phantom: Vietnam
Story 3: "It Ain't Me, it Ain't Me..."
Published 11th February 2021
2022 Comic Arts Awards of Australia Shortlist ​An Australian reporter based in Saigon recounts his time in 'The Battle of Long Tan', but all is not safe in the city on the eve of Tet , 1968...

The Phantom #1886.
The Phantom: Vietnam
The Phantom's adopted son Rex finds a misplaced chronicle book in the Skullcave, and learns of the time that the Phantom's moral values were put to the test, when he encountered soldiers involved with the war crimes in My Lai. Story 4: "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" Cover by Anthony Spay​​, back cover by Paul Mason.
​Written and drawn by Paul Mason
Edited by Glenn Ford
Assisted Edits by Amanda Bacchi
Story 5: "Said the Joker to the Thief..." Story 6: "Paint It Black" Story 7: "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place"

Published 25th February 2021​

​Written and drawn by Paul Mason, Edited by Glenn Ford,
Assisted Edits by Amanda Bacchi

The Phantom #1887 - Cover by Anthony Spay​​, back cover by Paul Mason.

The Phantom Vietnam Stories Coming Soon:

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EDITING CREDITS FLOCK (Gestalt Comics) ​"Never thought I'd fall in love with a book about birds. FLOCK is a masterclass in composition and storytelling". - Justin Randall - "Changing Ways', '30 Days of Night'. "It's bonkers. Cannot wait for more!". - James Brouwer - Artist: 'The Deep', "Lustration'.

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Laurie Halse Andersen’s speak: the graphic novel:creating and resisting aesthetic distancing to discuss the trauma of sexual violence

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Laurie Halse Andersen’s speak: the graphic novel:creating and resisting aesthetic distancing to discuss the trauma of sexual violence

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https://ivana.academia.edu/DrToulaGordillo/Papers

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With degrees in arts, education and clinical psychology, as well as further study in Jungian psychotherapy, Dr Toula Gordillo is a practicing clinical and Jungian psychologist. She's also a former teacher, specialist Guidance Officer Intensive Behaviour Support and a/Head of Student Services in some of Queensland's largest schools.

Toula completed a Doctor of Creative Arts (creative writing) research degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Her research interests include how to deliver positive mental health messages, particularly the teachings of Dr Carl Jung and the ancient Stoic/Taoist philosophers, through stories and images. She's especially interested in the use of ancient symbolic imagery to help reinforce the story's messages. This Jungian inquiry has formed the basis of her unique Story Image Therapy (SIT®) teaching and counselling system.

Dr Toula represents a not-for-profit organisation, the Spiritual Psychology Network. She is also the creator of Talk to Teens, Jungian Action Research (JAR™), Story Image Therapy (SIT®) and SIT education.

The product of her teaching, counselling and research method is The Mythic Window program. Designed to enhance youth resilience, it also offers psychospiritual resilience strategies for those who live with, teach or otherwise care for young people. This is the subject of her soon-to-be released second book, The 'Magic' of Jung. See www.drtoulagordillo.com for more information.

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Academia.edu is a place to share and follow research.

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“To Build a Bridge: Myth and Legend to Reframe Mental Health in YoungAdult Readers”

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“To Build a Bridge: Myth and Legend to Reframe Mental Health in YoungAdult Readers”

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file:///Users/chelseadynan/Downloads/To_Build_a_Bridge_Myth_and_Legend_to_Ref.pdf

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https://bibliotherapyaustralia.com.au/speaking-and-writing/journal-articles/

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Book Chapters

McLaine, S 2019, 'Reading for dementia' in Reading and mental health, (ed. J. Billington) Palgrave macmillan, London.
https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030217617

McLaine, S 2018, 'The benefits of shared reading groups for those at risk of homelessness', in Bibliotherapy, (eds. S. McNichol & L. Brewster), Facet, London.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/bibliotherapy/AD23332ED06DCB7122B73FB0462DC75B
Journal Articles
2017: JALIA
Mclaine, S 2017, Looking Beyond Traditional Bibliotherapy: A New View, Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, Vol. 66, No. 3, pp. 306-307.

McLaine, S 2011, 'The Victorian Book Well program', Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, vol.24, no 2, pp. 82-84.
http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=065639253166525;res=IELHSS
McLaine, S 2010, 'Healing for the soul: the Book Well program', Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 141-147.
2010: Viewpoint
McLaine, S 2010, Literature for living: New Directions in Bibliotherapy, Viewpoint, vol. 18, no. 22010, pp. 43-44.
http://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/C762467

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Book Chapters McLaine, S 2019, 'Reading for dementia' in Reading and mental health, (ed. J. Billington) Palgrave macmillan, London. https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030217617 McLaine, S 2018, 'The benefits of shared reading groups for those at risk of homelessness', in Bibliotherapy, (eds. S. McNichol & L. Brewster), Facet, London.

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‘FRAMES of MIND: Graphic novels are providing windows and mirrors around mental health’

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‘FRAMES of MIND: Graphic novels are providing windows and mirrors around mental health’

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Alverson, B. (2018) ‘FRAMES of MIND: Graphic novels are providing windows and mirrors around mental health’, School Library Journal, 1 February, p. 26. Available at: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsinc&AN=edsinc.A526733860&site=eds-live&scope=site (Accessed: 11 July 2023).

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Davies, D. and RIfkind, C. (Eds.), (2020). Documenting Trauma in Comics: Traumatic Pasts, Embodied Histories & Graphic Reportage. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-3-030-37997-1.

Davies, D., Lombard, E. and Mountford, B. (2019). Preface to the second edition. ISBN 978-1-78997-428-7.

Davies, D., Lombard, E. and Mountford, B. (2019). Fighting Words: Fifteen Books that Shaped the Postcolonial World. ISBN 978-1-78997-428-7.

Davies, D. (2019). Urban Comics: Infrastructure & the Global City in Contemporary Graphic Narratives. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-138-48358-3.

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Dr Dominic Davies | City, University of London

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Dr Dominic Davies, Senior Lecturer in English and BA English Programme Director, is an academic at the School of Communication and Creativity of City, University of London.

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https://www.graphicmedicine.org/blog/

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Graphic Medicine is a site that explores the interaction between the medium of comics and the discourse of healthcare. We are a community of academics, health carers, authors, artists, and fans of comics and medicine. The site is maintained by an editorial team under the direction of the Graphic Medicine International Collective.

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https://ct.counseling.org/2018/02/creating-comics-clients/

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Academic and clinical interest regarding the intersection of comics and health care is high right now, which is no surprise toreaders of . The July 2017 issue of Counseling Today featured a cover story titled "'Cultured' counseling" that provided perspectives on the clinical utility of integrating pop culture (such as video games, movies and comic books) into counseling practice. Similarly, both the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association have devoted time and journal space to covering the topic, signaling that mental health counselors are not alone in wanting to explore the positive impact that comics can have on delivery of services.

Case in point: The 2017 Comics & Medicine Conference was held this past June in Seattle. An eclectic cross section of cartoonists, medical doctors, mental health professionals, teachers, students and librarians from across the globe attended. The conference theme, "Access Points," explored how comics can open new gateways to health care "because of its ability to provide a platform for marginalized voices." Because this worldwide chorus of marginalized voices often includes people with mental health diagnoses and comorbid disorders, comics can also help bridge the gap between client and counselor when utilized correctly.

As the body of literature regarding the therapeutic value of comics grows, the question is raised: Can comics be used as an intervention apart from traditional bibliotherapy? The focus of this article is to explore the rationale for creating comics with clinical clients, gain guidance from practitioners who use comic creation as a direct intervention and provide resources for those who are interested in learning more.
Beyond bibliotherapy
In the fourth edition of the American Counseling Association's Counseling Dictionary, the intervention bibliotherapy is defined as "generally understood to be the reading of selected literature to help individuals gain a better understanding of themselves and others as well as to produce at times a healing or helpful catharsis."

The bulk of recent literature regarding comics and mental health has fallen squarely into the realm of bibliotherapy, focusing on using graphic novels and memoirs to help clients better understand their own challenges. Although strong clinical evidence exists to support using existing commercially available materials to help articulate client experiences, a growing number of health services practitioners are advocating that patients and clients begin writing and illustrating their own stories.

Ian Williams, a comics artist, writer and physician who co-founded the Graphic Medicine movement, has suggested that revisiting trauma using sequential art can provide a form of catharsis for the creator, citing examples of prominent figures in the graphic memoir field such as Art Spiegelman ( Maus) and Katie Green ( Lighter Than My Shadow). His assertion is that the combination of visual art and narrative structure allows clients to reauthor their experiences in ways that simply talking through them do not.

This same hypothesis was the driving force behind the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) using graphic novel software to assist combat veterans in dealing with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. This initiative led to DARPA commissioning California-based software developer Kinection to design the Warrior Stories Platform for use with veterans.

Similarly, several public schools across the country have begun using online comic-creation software to help address ongoing behavioral issues for children with special needs. In addition, educators and social science researchers alike are using comic creation to help children tackle difficult real-world issues (such as making positive choices in the face of peer pressure), develop a more robust understanding of historical events (such as the Holocaust) and cultivate sound safety habits when interacting with friends and strangers.

As professionals from a multitude of disciplines create comics with others to help bridge the gap between educational content and personal experience, clinical mental health counselors can do the same with their clients.
The therapeutic act of creating comics
Scott McCloud, renowned cartoonist and educator, once defined comics as "images deployed in a sequence to tell a story graphically or convey information." Given that comics are a storytelling medium, it is perhaps not surprising that the therapeutic act of creating comics falls under the scope of narrative therapy.

Narrative therapy is primarily concerned with the stories that clients have within them - those internalized beliefs formed by clients' interactions with the various familial, social and cultural forces throughout their lifetime. Narrative therapies also place primary emphasis on the act of externalization of client issues. As Michael White and David Epston, the primary developers of narrative therapy, once famously surmised, "The person is not the problem, the problem is the problem."

Externalization is used to help clients who overidentify with their problematic symptoms ("I am depressed") begin to understand these experiences as distinct from their core self ("I am dealing with a really difficult depressive episode right now"). When I interviewed Katharine Houpt, an artist, licensed clinical professional counselor, board certified art therapist and lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she shared that the main strength of creating comics with clients is that it fosters the externalization process: "The idea is that experiences can be overwhelming and can take up so much space that it's helpful to externalize them, and [creating comics] literally puts a container around those experiences so you can put them away on a shelf, so to speak, and [the problems] are separated from the person."

Having a physical representation of an internal experience can be valuable because the idea of containment is extremely important when dealing with sensitive parts of a client's experience. Each panel in the comic sequence functions as a figurative container for potentially overwhelming psychic material, allowing clients to approach the issue with a feeling of control or mastery that might elude them otherwise. The comic format also allows clients to represent themselves, others and even their disorders pictorially through the creation of avatars.

Working with clients to graphically depict interactions between themselves and problematic symptoms can help them uncover new insights. As with any other type of therapeutic intervention, it is important to choose comic-making directives that reflect an understanding of individual clients, their struggles and what resources they bring to the situation. "An example of something I've done recently is ask a client to create characters to have a dialogue based on the person's conflicting thoughts when trying to make a decision," Houpt says. "But again, this was done with careful consideration of the person's history, possible responses, coping tools, motivation, ability, etc."
Suggestions and considerations
Possessing a clear sense of best practices when creating comics (or any other type of art) with clients can help clinicians avoid therapeutic pitfalls and unintended confidentiality issues and create a safe space for the creative process. What follows are suggestions and considerations for therapists who are interested in beginning to integrate comic creation into clinical practice.

Create a functional space. Rebecca Bloom, a board-certified art therapist and licensed mental health counselor who practices in Washington state, suggested that clinicians try making art themselves in client spaces before introducing any interventions into practice. "I tell everyone that comes to my workshop, 'Sit where the client will sit and try and make art in that spot.' People inevitably come back and say, 'Oh, well, it's impossible to make art there.' So I respond, 'Great, now figure out how it would be more possible. Do the art supplies need to be closer? Do you need a lap desk? Do you need a coffee table that's easy to use?'"

If the space available is not amenable for making art, this might require an investment in additional furniture that could be cost prohibitive. If an existing space and furnishings can be rearranged to accommodate the activity, it is also important to think through whether the space can remain in that configuration for clients who are not making art. If it can't, it might be necessary to reserve time to reset the office between client sessions.

Remember, art is messy. Another consideration in determining whether a space is appropriate for incorporating any art making is whether the space is shared with other practitioners. "Art takes a little thinking through," Bloom explained. "In some settings, it's really hard, like for people who are in institutional settings. ... Art is really messy. So, if there's no way to be messy where you are, that's going be a little problematic for art making."

This holds true for comic creation too. India ink can be spilled, markers can be dropped onto couches, and erasers can leave behind rubberized crumbs. The reality of potential messes requires that practitioners be thoughtful about what materials they are willing to use during a session.

"Also, there need to be limits around time and mess," Bloom said. "I stop the art-making process 10 minutes before the session ends because I want to make sure the people are back in their conscious process. I want to make sure we have time to clean up. [There are] materials that I don't use. I don't use paint in my office because it's so easy to get out of control. I do spend money on fancy Copic markers with brush tips so you can have that experience of painting but without the mess."

Invest in quality materials. Investing in quality materials will allow clients to stay focused on the therapeutic process instead of struggling to work with dried-out markers, inkless pens, stubby crayons or dull pencils. Additionally, having a selection of higher-grade media to choose from can signal clients that you are taking the art-making process seriously and being thoughtful about the materials with which you are asking them to work. "Clients can take a bad art-making experience personally," Bloom observed.

Try it yourself first. Another common mistake clinicians sometimes make when using art directives during session is believing that instruction alone will inspire a client to make therapeutically meaningful art. "The only thing I hate for clients is when a therapist says, 'Draw your darkest fear,' and the client looks at them like, ' You try that first. You try drawing your darkest fear,'" Bloom said. "You don't want to ask anybody to do something that didn't work for you, because you're not going to be able to sell it very well, and you're not going to be able to take care of somebody if it doesn't go right. And you're not going to understand the resistance in not wanting to do it."

This also holds true for comic creation. If the counselor has never drawn a comic, then it will be difficult to understand client process from an artistic and therapeutic standpoint. One practice that can be helpful for therapists new to comic making is to try working with their own "daily comics journal."

Kurt Shaffert, a fellow in applied cartooning at the Center for Cartoon Studies, located in White River Junction, Vermont, endorsed this practice, acknowledging that he has used it himself. "The basic idea is to sit down every morning and draw a simple three- to four-panel cartoon that captures where you are in that moment," he said. "It was very helpful for me when I was going through some difficult personal circumstances. And when I began sharing them with my friends and family, they began to have a better understanding of what was happening with me during
that time."

Houpt also uses the daily comics journal exercise to help temper the high emotions and excitement that can accompany working with comics. "I always emphasize the importance of pacing with clients," Houpt said. "I think people can get really excited about comics and want to get really deep really fast. So something that I've done a lot with folks is ask them to keep a daily comics journal with just six panels per page. It puts a little bit of structure around it so that the experience doesn't become overwhelming. And that practice has been really helpful for people to identify problems and solutions in their lives, to start recognizing themes, patterns and alternative stories about who they are through their personal artistic languages."

There are also many opportunities for clinicians to gain firsthand experience with art therapy and comic-making interventions by utilizing local resources. Many art therapists, including those interviewed for this article, offer community-based workshops for clinicians and laypeople alike. Connecting with local therapists who regularly use art-based interventions can also provide valuable networking opportunities and potential ongoing clinical support as counselors begin to integrate art into their practice.

Read comics ... and talk about them. If you are reading this article, chances are that you have some interest in the medium of comics, which exists apart from the therapeutic value of making comics. Exposing yourself to a wide range of commercially available comic books and graphic novels can help expand your understanding of what comics are - or ultimately can be.

Cultivating a broader understanding of what is considered a comic can help the therapeutic process in the long run. "I do find that I have to explain comics in many different ways to people," Houpt said. "Sometimes I won't call them comics. Sometimes I'll say, 'stories using words and pictures,' or I will talk about something they might be familiar with, like the Sunday cartoons. ... There's all kinds of different interpretations. So, I just use that and make that part of the process of making comics with the client because, same as any other identifier about a person, it will mean a different thing to each individual."

Talking with clients about their own beliefs regarding the medium can put them more at ease, which might allow them to experience greater gains from creating comics as part of the therapeutic process.

Be aware of the ethics regarding client art. There are additional ethical considerations that accompany counselors asking clients to make art for a therapeutic purpose. "I definitely think that all kinds of people can do some basic art therapy directives," Bloom said. "I produce books that have those directives in them. Lots of people do. One of the major differences between people [who] are trained as art therapists and people who are not is what happens to the art after [it has] been made. It's very common that people who are not trained as art therapists will put the art right up on the wall. Whereas art therapists believe that's a private clinical conversation and that the client either takes that artwork home with them, or they keep it in the client's file, or maybe the client destroys it. But it's not up for public view."

Another unintended consequence is that if a client walks into a room filled with client art, this might unknowingly set the expectation that all client art will be displayed, which can be problematic. As Bloom explains, "The idea within art therapy is that you might release something on the page that is unattractive that you don't want anybody [else] to see. ... If you go into an environment that has people's art up on the walls, people will make less revealing art, most likely."

Additionally, displaying client art might unintentionally create a false standard of how comic-making interventions "should look" for clients. Because some clients are more artistically inclined than others, certain clients might be reluctant - or even outright refuse - to create art because of insecurity around their abilities.

"I also like to talk with clients about what MK Czerwiec discusses in her chapter in the Graphic Medicine Manifesto, which is the 'fourth-grade slump,'" Houpt says. "That's the idea that before fourth grade, everybody raises their hand when the teacher asks, 'Who in here is an artist?' And then starting in fourth grade, everybody points to the one kid who draws the best. So, why do we do that to ourselves? Why should we limit this outlet for joy and expression in our lives just because we think we're not the best at it?"

Allowing clients to create comics without the pressure of comparison is essential for therapeutic work to occur, and that should be the goal of any intervention used with clients. Counselors should also know that any art created during a therapy session receives the same protections under HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) that any other physical media (such as audio recordings and written materials) would.
Resources
It can be difficult for those who aren't art therapists to begin working with a medium such as comics because the sheer amount of available materials can be overwhelming. The following list serves as a brief primer on texts that might be useful when beginning to integrate comic making into an existing practice. These recommendations were provided by the clinicians interviewed for this article and are grouped into separate categories for clarity.
General art therapy

Art Is a Way of Knowing: A Guide to Self-Knowledge and Spiritual Fulfillment Through Creativity by Pat B. Allen

Square the Circle: Art Therapy Workbook by Rebecca Bloom

The Art Therapy Sourcebook by Cathy Malchiodi

Materials & Media in Art Therapy: Critical Understandings of Diverse Artistic Vocabularies by Catharine Moon

Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice by Ivan Brunetti

Comics and Sequential Art by Will Eisner

Cartooning: The Ultimate Character Design Book by Christopher Hart

Understanding Comics and Making Comics by Scott McCloud

Conclusion
Although interest regarding the intersection of health services delivery and comics is at an all-time high, empirical research regarding the efficacy of comic creation as a direct intervention is largely absent. This might dissuade practitioners from introducing comic making into their therapeutic work, but it is important to remember that every testable intervention begins with a theoretical question, moves to the gathering of qualitative/anecdotal evidence and then transitions to quantitative outcome measurements.

This article has briefly addressed the narrative frame of comic creating while also sharing anecdotal insights from practitioners who use the intervention directly. The next step for helping make comic creation a more widely accepted and accessible intervention is to conduct rigorous research regarding outcomes. For social science researchers, these pursuits do not have to be conducted in isolation. That is reassuring for therapists such as Houpt: "I think that's part of what was so exciting to me [about going] to the Comics & Medicine Conference this year. It was my first one. And to see people from so many different fields ... different silos, who are doing similar work with different frameworks, different approaches, but arriving at similar outcomes. So, there has to be something there, and I wonder if part of the answer is more interdisciplinary collaboration."

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Devlyn McCreight is a licensed mental health counselor and owner of McCreight Psychotherapy & Clinical Consulting LLC. Contact him at devlyn@mccreightpsychotherapy or through his website at drdevlyn.com.

Letters to the editor: ct@counseling.org
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Opinions expressed and statements made in articles appearing on CT Online should not be assumed to represent the opinions of the editors or policies of the American Counseling Association.

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Creating comics with clients - Counseling Today

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For counselors, creating comics with clients can provide a mix of narrative and art therapies that aids in reaching marginalized voices through the externalization of clinical issues.