Get ready for a very personal experience being Welcomed to Country by Sonia Weston at the 2025 Creative Mental Health Forum and Collective Care Retreat in the beautiful coastal town of Inverloch. … Read More
#creativewellbeing
“Promoting Creative Healing and Preventing Human Trafficking” with Nepalese Activist and Psychologist, Anuradha Acharya.
Anuradha, or ‘Anu’ is a compassionate psychologist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to supporting survivors of violence, sexual exploitation, and trafficking in Nepal. Her unwavering commitment focuses on helping survivors heal and grow after these traumas. This has led Anu to discover and embrace arts-based and creative approaches as healing modalities. … Read More
“Awaken Your Senses: the ancient art of Besom-Making” with Kim Wren and Lindy Schneider..
This hands-on experience, led by well-loved and experienced Art and Equine Therapists Kim Wren and Lindy Schneider, offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of creativity, nature, and mental health. … Read More
“Making our Marks”: ND Affirming Creative Arts Therapy with Freya Pinney.
Making Our Marks: Reflections on ND Affirming practice by neurodivergent creative arts therapists explores the perspectives of neurodivergent identifying CATs and what ND affirming practice means to them.
This research project involves 7 ND identifying CATs participating in collaborative co-inquiries and interviews. … Read More
Printmaking: The Nature of Reciprocity with Melinda Jane and Emma Fayelecaun.
How might we bring ourselves into meaningful relationships with other bodies, both human and non-human, using embodiment, reciprocity and expressive play?
Using creative printmaking as our primary modality, the invitation will be to explore connection, kinship and reciprocal relationships, with place, with materials and with others. … Read More
Outdoor Play Therapy with Kim Wood, Founder of Heartwood Health Farm.
Outdoor Play Therapy with Kim Wood – experience and learn about it for yourself at the 2025 Creative Mental Health Forum. Introducing Kim Wood Meet Kim Wood, a biologist turned therapist, with a deep-rooted passion for working with … 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
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
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
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
BIRTHING THE NEW PARADIGM, TOGETHER with Marianne Wobcke
Birthing the new paradigm, together. Hosts of the 2024 Creative Mental Health Forum are honoured to be joined by Indigenous Midwife, award wining Arts and Health Practitioner and PhD Researcher, Marianne Wobcke, as a special guest facilitator. During … Read More
Experience the Creative Mental Health Forum and Collective Care Retreat with Dr Carla van Laar in 2024
We’ve done it! Changed the name of our forum to better reflect the true nature of this event – “collective care”. Are you a mental health professional looking to explore the power of creative approaches in your practice? Do you … Read More
IMAGES OF MATTER AND WHAT MATTERS TO YOU with Anja Zimmermann
Images of matter and what matters to you? Historically, people labeled with intellectual disabilities (ID) have experienced stigma, discrimination, segregation, social isolation, and violence. Until today, social justice in a sense of barrier free possibilities for belonging to … Read More
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
RECRUITING A CREATIVE OR EXPERIENTIAL THERAPIST TO YOUR TEAM?
Introducing PACFA’s College of Creative and Experiential Therapies Dear Employer, Team Leader, or Manager, Introducing PACFA’s College of Creative and Experiential Therapies I am pleased to inform you of the establishment of the College of Creative and … Read More