presenters 2022

“DRAMATIC PLAY” – with Performing Artists Sarah Culy and Henry de Oleveira at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat

In our creative work devising theatre, the group engages in a process we call ‘crossing the threshold.’ It is a way of leaving the dust of the day at the door and committing openly and whole-heartedly to the group, the … Read More

“INNER WORK FOR THE WORKER” – Miranda Madgwick of PACFA’s College of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Practices joins the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat.

Inner Work for the Worker Inner Work is process of understanding yourself, the environment around you and the elements that have shaped your life. Then working them into a strength that you can use in your day to day life.  … Read More

“PLAYFUL SPACES: Creative Arts Therapy in Schools” – with Gerry Katz PhD, Melissa Nelson-Campbell and Dr Carla van Laar at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat.

Possibilities are opening up for creative arts therapists to work with kids in school communities. In this workshop, we invite the exploration of: possibilities for how we respond, recognising what we bring, connecting our work with our values. We share … Read More

“CONNECTING WITH NATURE” – Alana Stewart combines Nature-Based and Expressive Arts Therapies at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat.

Alana presents a self care experiential using nature-based expressive arts therapy. Alana will guide you through a process of exploring your senses and connecting to yourself through nature. Alana Stewart is an Art Therapist and Counsellor working in private practice. … Read More

SHAUN MCNIFF MAKES A CAMEO APPEARANCE at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat

“Creativity is a force of nature, the mainstream of imagination accessible to all”.from Imagination in Action ~Shaun McNiff It is with great joy and anticipation that I am delighted to announce… Shaun McNiff will be visiting the 2022 Creative Mental … Read More

PROGRAM – 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat

We pay our respects to the Boon Wurrung People, the Traditional Owners of this place in which we meet. We honour them, their elders and their ancestors. We thank them for Welcoming us here to this meeting place in their … Read More

Relaxing Sound Bath – with NICKY DE GRUCHY at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat

Reset your vibration with a healing sound bath at this year’s Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat. Relaxing Sound Bath In a relaxing sound bath therapeutic session, you are invited to immerse yourself in the magic of sound. … Read More

The Art of Decolonising Disability Support Work – TARA HARRIDEN’S PhD Research Project.

“I believe in the power of research as a social change-maker – I hope that my research will affect some change in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living with psychosocial disabilities” – Tara Harriden Proud to be … Read More

The Hero’s Journey goes Bollywood!! – with Anjali Sengupta at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat.

The Hero’s Journey meets Bollywood dance in this unique, multi-modal, expressive arts workshop based on the work of Joseph Campbell and Anjali’s own explorations of the psycho-technologies of Bollywood dance, music and performance arts as portals that allow us to … Read More

“SONGWRITING FOR THE SOUL” – With Singer/Songwriter and Creative Arts Therapist Brodie Caporn at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat.

Songwriting for the Soul Workshop   Brodie Caporn brings her gift for collaborative music making to the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat: an invitation to join a group songwriting workshop that culminates in a co-created composition, … Read More

Dr. Raj Ramanathapillai and Dr. Lisa (O’Beirne) Moseley – “RESPONDING TO DRAWN IMAGES OF WAR” at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat

Responding to Drawn Images of War: A Trauma-informed discussion. Dr. Raj Ramanathapillai and Dr. Lisa (O’Beirne) Moseley are counsellor-advocates with survivors of torture and war trauma with Foundation House, one of Australia’s eight states/territories affiliated FASSTT NFP organisations. In this … Read More

REFILL YOUR WELL with CORNELIA ELBRECHT and CHRIS STORM at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat.

The Arts Therapies and Embodiment   Sensorimotor Art Therapy has the ability to find language when we can’t access the spoken word. It engages the felt sense through trauma-informed sensory and movement exercises.    In stressful situations we hold ourselves together or break … Read More

SELF CARE through MARTIAL ARTS with Black Belt VICKIE SIMOS at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat

“I have worked in many industries over the years, but have stayed true to my two passions – Martial Arts Mental Health, which is the basis of my new business “Thelo” – the Greek translation for, I want, I need. … Read More

HEALING THE TRAUMATISED SPIRIT THROUGH CREATIVE EXPERIENCE – Michael Burge OAM, Keynote Presenter at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat

“Experiential methods with the power of spontaneity and creativity, such as psychodrama, can help the traumatized client develop better relationships with the self, rediscover lost roles and reconnect with humanity’ – Michael Burge OAM   … The 2022 Creative Mental … Read More

KIM BILLINGTON – “Stories of Transformation” at the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat

Narratively inspired author of  “A Counsellor’s Companion” and “Counselling Conversations”, Kim Billington, joins the 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat to share an experiential folk tale work shop. …   … STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION: DREAMING OFF INTO … Read More

“MATERNAL HOLDING” – Dr Ariel Moy contributes new understandings through Arts Based Research findings

“the creative exploration of holding is a simple, everyday way of accessing significant relational stories, purpose and loving connection or what I call, the mother/child ‘us’” … I was delighted last year when Routledge Publishers invited me to review a … Read More

CREATIVE MENTAL HEALTH – FILM LAUNCH

  “2021 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat” is a twelve minute documentary filmed on location in Boon Wurrung Country, South Eastern Victoria, at the event of the same name.     This short film features footage and interviews … Read More

2021 Creative Mental Health Forum brings 60 Arts Therapists to Boon Wurrung country, South Gippsland, Australia

Sixty Creative Arts Therapists from all over Victoria and interstate gathered on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung People in Inverloch for the first Australian summit of its kind from 14th – 17th May 2021.  “We want more people … Read More