Advocacy for Creative and Experiential Therapies Part of my role as Convenor of PACFA’s College of Creative and Experiential Therapies (CCET),is a pivotal job in actively shaping the landscape of mental health and wellbeing within Australia’s service system and … Read More
Author Archives: Carla
CCET’s monthly professional development webinar series launches on 3rd September with an Introduction to Dramatherapy from Dr Amanda Musicka-Williams!
Join PACFA’s College of Creative and Experiential Therapies (CCET) for an introductory presentation on Dramatherapy by Dr. Amanda Musicka-Williams: Explore key international definitions and approaches to dramatherapy practice Learn about the range of drama-based therapeutic methods from embodied play to … Read More
RADICAL CREATIVITY with Dr Carla van Laar and Melanie Knight
Rhythm in Flow – Dance Meditation Dancing is a way of knowing ourselves beyond the physical. Dancing is a way of processing what is stored in the body Dancing is a way of integrating change Dancing is a way … Read More
RHYTHM IN FLOW with Jodie Rahda Lynch
Rhythm in Flow – Dance Meditation Dancing is a way of knowing ourselves beyond the physical. Dancing is a way of processing what is stored in the body Dancing is a way of integrating change Dancing is a way … Read More
CRAFTING IDENTITY – A BARBIE ART THERAPY WORKSHOP with Michelle Morgan and Alana Stewart
Crafting Identities – a Barbie Art Therapy Workshop Recently, Mattel released Art Therapist Barbie. She’s the first Barbie in a mental health profession. She’s young, light-skinned, casually dressed, sits on the floor, works with a child, and has similar … Read More
TEXTURAL TRUENESS: LIVED AND LIVING EXPERIENCE with Bree Till
Textural Trueness: Authenticity, Preservation and Permeable Boundaries of Lived and Living Experiences as Sustainable Resources to Support Diverse Populations. Bree Till is a carer and art therapist with training and experience in advocacy, governance, neurodiversity, and systemic engagement. … Read More
ART THERAPY IN POST-CONFLICT RECONCILIATION AND DETAINEE REHABILITATION with Chanudi Wickramasinha
Exploring the Role of Art Therapy in Post-Conflict Reconciliation and Detainee Rehabilitation Art Therapist, Chanudi Wickramasinha is joining us in May 2024 to share learnings from her fascinating work with ex-militants. Chanudi is a well-respected practitioner in the … Read More
Jorja Elizabeth – empowering children’s creativity
Introducing Jorja Hello Parents! Are you looking for a fun and creative way to engage your children in meaningful activities? My name is Jorja, and I’m here to guide your little ones through the exciting world of art exploration and … Read More
GOOD OLD TAVERN CHOIR with Tania Balil
Join Tania for an Afternoon of Active Music Making and Group Performance Hosts of the 2024 Creative Mental Health Forum are delighted to be joined by Tania Balil musician and music therapist, with over two decades experience in … Read More
Henry De Oleveira – Actor and Theatre Maker
Introducing Henry Meet Henry De Oleveira, a dedicated actor and theatremaker based in Naarm / Melbourne. He graduated from Federation University’s Arts Academy in 2021 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. Henry is inspired by the world of immersive theatre … Read More
ADAPTABLE DRAMA FOR ARTS THERAPY with Steve Wiegerink & Rebecca Vandyk-Hamilton
“The Magic If” – What if a drama teacher and arts and health practitioner joined forces to co-create together? Meet Steve Wiegerink and Rebecca Vandyk-Hamilton Rebecca and Steve are the current creative directors of the ‘Over the Top … Read More
Nicky De Gruchy – Musician, Artist, Voice Sound Therapist
Introducing Nicky Meet Nicky De Gruchy, an artist, musician and sound therapist who draws inspiration from nature for her creativity and healing. With over thirty years of experience in teaching singing and working as a musician, Nicky now works as … Read More
STRENGTHENING THE VESSEL with Ann Soo Lawrence
Strengthening the Vessel in the Ebb and Flow: Creative approaches in working with refugees and asylum seeker experiences. Hosts of the 2024 Creative Mental Health Forum are delighted to be joined byAnn Soo Lawrence Social Worker, Creative Arts … Read More
Jess Edwards – Nature Based Health and Wellbeing
Introducing Jess Jess Edwards (she/her) is a social worker and nature therapist. Jess is the founder and therapist at Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature. She is also currently studying a Diploma in Creative Arts and Health and is a Victorian Representative for Outdoor Healthcare Australia. Jess is … Read More
Martine Zajacek – Designer and Collage Artist
Artist’s Statement I specialize in creating collages using antique and vintage papers, as well as found ephemera, which significantly influence my work. The patina and texture of these materials, often dating between the 1870s and 1960s, are both exquisite and … Read More
Ricci McAuliffe – Paintings from Nature
Artist’s Statement While life initially had its own intentions for her, Ricci McAuliffe painted herself into the visual arts corner in 2019. Living between Inverloch and the Yarra Valley since the mid-1990s, her work thrives off the abundant diversity of … Read More
Samantha Brick – Occupational Therapist, Kinesiologist and Energy Practitioner
Facilitator Bio Samantha Brick is an independent Occupational Therapist who lives and works in the coastal town of Inverloch. She has a holistic approach to her work, which involves using a range of techniques to help children with delayed development, … Read More
Melissa McDevitt Weston – Contemporary First Nations Artist
Artist’s Statement Cultural understandings inform me, as a Traditional Owner, that my ancestors lived along the waterways and I continue to occupy these areas through spirit. This knowledge is substantiated by the uncovering of artefacts along waterways, buried skeletal … Read More
Casey Sweetman – First Nations Artist
Artist’s Statement Hi, my name is Casey Sweetman (Weston), I am a Boon Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman living here on county. I’m a contemporary artist and have been creating art for over twenty years. I studied and gained qualifications … Read More
Jenny Taylor – Musician, Songwriter, Choir Leader
Artist’s Biography Jenny is a performer, songwriter, teacher and choir leader who has made music her life for 30+ years. She lives in Jumbunna and thrives in community. Jenny is offering a number of musical workshops at the Inverloch … Read More
Renee Sweetman – Boon Wurrung Singer and Songwriter, Songwoman.
Artist’s Biography Renee Sweetman is a proud Boon Wurrung & Yorta Yorta woman living in the Bass Coast. She is a singer/songwriter and has performed at major events including the Blaktivism concerts at the Melbourne Arts Centre in 2022 and … Read More
Jasmine Susic – contemporary dancer – improvisation, installation performance and dance theatre.
Artist’s Biography Jasmine Susic is a Bass Coast based contemporary dancer with an interest in improvisation, installation performance and dance theatre. Feature image credit: Tyson Butler Dance images credit: Karli Michelle Jasmine completed her training majoring in Contemporary Dance … Read More
Jeremy Grace – Juggler and Magician.
Artist’s Biography Jeremy has been entertaining Australians for the last 35 years as a juggler, magician, singer, dancer and compère. Performing in public spaces, private functions, theatre restaurants, tropical islands and entertainment centres, he has enthralled both small groups, and crowds … Read More
Kim McDonald – Visual and Performing Artist, Experimenter
Feature image photo credit: Karli Michelle Artist’s Statement Kim is a practicing interdisciplinary artist with a background in printmaking, drawing and performance. Working across disciplines her art practice is experiential and experimental with her work encompassing the contrasting roles of … Read More
Alisoun Neville – Expressive Arts Therapist
Artist Statement I moved to Milowl in 2022, responding to a lifelong call to live near the ocean coupled with a completely awestruck love of the island waters here. In recognition that this is Boon Wurrung country, and the responsibilities and … Read More
Annette Spinks: Artist, Inspired by Water.
Artist’s Biography Annette Spinks is a popular exhibiting artist whose works are held in private and corporate collections throughout Australia and Internationally. Two paintings from Annette’s latest “Waterfalls” series are featured in the local artists exhibition at At the Inverloch … Read More
HADASSAH LILY – Expressive Therapist & Educator
Hadassah Lily works in independent practice as an Expressive Therapist & Educator. She provides therapeutic companionship and guidance for couples, children, families and schools. Facilitator’s Statement I have over 20 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and families in private … Read More
PLAYBACK THEATRE LIVE AND REAL with A/Prof Drew Bird
Playback Theatre – Live and Real The Creative Mental Health Forum and Collective Care Retreat is delighted to welcome Associate Professor, Dramatherapist Drew Bird as a specialist workshop presenter at our 2024 event in Boon Wurrung Country, Inverloch. … Read More
COnnect in a CO-creative space in one of our workshops – something for everyone
Inverloch’s new Pop-Up ART CO is providing plenty of opportunity to get your creative holiday juices flowing with a range of creative workshops suitable for adults, teens and children this Summer. Come along and enjoy a co-creative atmoshere where you … Read More
COme on in and enjoy Inverloch’s pop-up ART exhibition featuring local artists
The former accountants offices in the heart of Inverloch are being re-invented as a colourful, vibrant, artist-led space for local artists to exhibit their art work and connect with visitors to beautiful Boon Wurrung Country this Summer holidays! Feature image: … Read More