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
This Professional Development event is specially designed for Creative and Experiential Therapists, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Health and Allied Health Professionals, Educators and Caring Professionals who are interested in understanding more about creative approaches in mental health care, and who essentially need some time to relax, reconnect and restore your energies.
Our program and structure is guided by these core values:
Cultural awareness and safety
Diversity and inclusive practice
Creative and experiential approaches
Community and peer to peer learning
Sustainability
“This forum was one of the best professional development experiences I have had, with great presenters & facilitators, a fun & inclusive atmosphere, all in a beautiful location.” – testimonial from 2021
We pay our deep respects to the First Peoples of Boon Wurrung Country where we will meet.
CREATIVE MENTAL HEALTH FORUM AND SELF CARE RETREAT
Friday 5th – Monday 8th May 2023
Inverloch, Bass Coast, Victoria.
“It is hard to put into words the immense impact this retreat has had on my personal sense of wellbeing and belonging to this group of inspirational professionals.
I felt a deep sense of connection to everyone attending, a warmth and generosity that made me proud to be part of this event and this group!”
– testimonial from 2021
“The forum was a mix of education, connection and self-care. Filling my bucket to continue with renewed strength to use creative therapies to help young people with mental health issues.”
– testimonial from 2021
Register here to reserve your place
The Journey…
Friday: Welcome to Country and social dinner with art and entertainment.
Saturday: Creative Wellbeing workshops and presentations from leaders in our field at the RACV Resort.
Sunday: Choose your own self care adventure with immersive smaller group Creative Arts and Wellbeing workshops at a number of locations in the township of Inverloch.
Monday: time for enjoying the environment and a closing ritual at the beach.
The 2023 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self-care Retreat
is an opportunity to look after yourself and learn
while enjoying good company and restorative time in the living world.
…
It is hosted only two hours drive from Melbourne
in the beautiful surrounds of the Bass Coast Bunurong Marine Park
and township of coastal Inverloch.
…
The program includes time for self care, to relax and rejuvenate.
…
It’s time to refill your well.
What’s the investment?
4 x $200 payments spread over the coming months. =$800
Includes:
Friday: Welcome cocktail party with food and drinks.
Saturday: lunch, morning and afternoon teas and all core workshops at the RACV Resort.
Sunday: your choice of self care workshops offered in various locations around the town.
Monday: Closing large group ritual at the beach.
*Does not include accomodation – please book your own.
Book your place here
Your host, Dr Carla van Laar is a Creative Arts Therapist with more than 20 years experience.
Registered Clinical Member
and Accredited Supervisor
with PACFA.
“It gave me a real boost of confidence, of hope and sense of community! Thank you Carla!” – testimonial from 2021
Registration is open – please CLICK HERE to ensure your place
PLEASE CLICK ON THE TITLES BELOW
TO READ MORE ABOUT
EACH WORKSHOP AND PRESENTER
WELCOME TO COUNTRY with Yowengerra / Yalluk Bulluk
Yowenjerra/Yalluk Bulluk Consultants provide a very open look into the culture of the Boon Wurrung. Yowengerra/Yalluk Bulluk would like to invite you to attend a traditional Welcome to Country so that you can walk with ease on these … Read More
IMPROV EXHIBITION and WELCOME COCKTAIL DINNER PARTY
DRESS TO EXPRESSAND BRING YOUR ARTFriday 5th May 2023 At our Welcome Cocktail Dinner PartyAnd Improvised Exhibition. Step 1: bring your art5pm at the Inlet Hotel Step 2: dress up and come to the party6.30 – 8.30pm at the Inlet Hotel You are … Read More
WHAT’S BENEATH OUR FEET? with Melissa McDevitt Weston and Carla van Laar
What’s beneath our feet? Cultural awareness in Australian Nature-based Arts Therapy For Arts Therapists wishing to practice Nature-based Arts Therapy in Australia, Cultural awareness is essential, and can become a deeply healing experience for Country, Traditional Owners and Arts Therapists, … Read More
POST TRAUMATIC PLAY and SAND TRAY THERAPY – presentation and workshop with Sharon Duthie
“Post-traumatic play – children speaking the unspeakable through play.” There are often no words to describe the terrifying events, nor the words to express the deep sense of loss – the multitude of losses – that result from childhood … Read More
Developing an Inclusive Practice with Lucian Marine
Developing an Inclusive Practice Let’s explore ways to cultivate a more inclusive practice that affirms LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming communities. Together we will deconstruct dominant narratives thinking about how they serve or dis-serve. Have you felt hindered or … Read More
…DARE TO IMAGINE! with Noula Diamantopoulos
…Dare to Imagine with Noula Diamantopoulos Noula is imagining up a creative workshop for us! She imagines… a guided journey into the mystery of meaning making… exploring self through serendipitous creative activities (hence the mystery) touring with Socrates – … Read More
SEVEN LIVED EXPERIENCE STORIES of making meaning using art therapy
Seven lived experience stories of making meaning using art therapy – three years later, a creative follow up The international journal of art therapy published our article ‘Seven lived experience stories of making meaning using art therapy’ in … Read More
ESSENCE OF PLACE – evocative sound journey with Nicky De Gruchy and Peter Baird
Reset your vibration with a restorative sound journey performed by Nicky and Peter at this year’s Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat. Essence of Place sound journey Nature recordings, crystal bowls, chimes, percussion, live instruments guitar and voice … Read More
LEADING IN SONG: Playful ways to create community with Michelle Morgan
Have you ever wanted to include sound or song in your work, but just haven’t quite felt confident enough? In this experiential workshop, we’ll explore what helps people to feel safe to make sound together. We’ll engage in some playful … Read More