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
#mentalhealth
“PONDERING GRIEF” with Linda Espie and Dr Carla van Laar.
“The experience and expression of grief is as unique as a finger print”.
Join us for an insightful and interactive workshop designed for creative/experiential therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, allied health professionals, educators, and arts and health workers at the 2025 Creative Mental Health Forum.
In “Pondering Grief Together,” renowned grief counsellors Linda Espie and Dr Carla van Laar will explore the deeply personal and unique experience of grief, emphasising its complexities and the various ways it can be expressed and understood. … Read More
“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
“Connection to Country through the Practice of Wayapa” with Justine Lenart.
Justine Lenart, a passionate movement practitioner and First Nations woman, has embraced a practice that not only nurtures her well-being but also fosters a deeper connection to the Earth. This practice is called Wayapa Wurrk, which translates to “connect to the Earth” and is rooted in ancient Indigenous wisdom. … Read More
“Create Your Own Drag Persona: Exploring Identity Through the Art of Drag” with Jay Glascott and Marlene Habib.
Create Your Own Drag Persona: Exploring Identity Through the Art of Drag.
In this experiential workshop, drag becomes a powerful tool for self-exploration—where you are the canvas. Through the playful and transformative modality of drag, participants will be invited to step beyond societal expectations, embrace fluidity in gender expression, and bring untapped parts of themselves to life.
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“Music and Imagination” with Andrew McSweeney.
Andrew McSweeney facilitates the Music & Imagination Introductory Workshop where you’ll learn how to tap into your natural ability and create music you love with the magic of your imagination. You’ll be introduced to a wonderful new way of learning, playing and creating music. During the workshop, Andrew will lead you through an intuitive exercise that will immerse you in your imagination and reveal the music you’d love to create and play. You’ll transform your relationship with music and overcome any obstacle that has been holding you back from learning, playing or creating the music you love.
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“Time to Rest: Meditation Creations” with Anna Kilpatrick.
In this workshop Anna facilitates an engaging 30-minute deep relaxation session. You will be gently guided to a potentially blissful space where waking and sleeping consciousness intertwine. This restorative practice allows participants to unwind and rejuvenate, crucial for those working in high-demand environments, especially with children and families. … Read More
“Weaving Nature’s Wonders” with Erin McCrorey.
A workshop to inspire creativity and sustainability by teaching participants how to weave artistic and functional wall hangings that turn non-Australian “weedy” plants and other found fibres into art, while acknowledging the rich traditional wisdom and origins of weaving practices. … Read More
“NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY” with Dr Carla van Laar.
Navigating Uncertainty: Insights from Dr. Carla van Laar at the 2025 Creative Mental Health Forum and Collective Care Retreat
As we continue to navigate the complexities of mental health care, particularly within the framework of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the upcoming 2025 Creative Mental Health Forum and Collective Care Retreat offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the evolving landscape of creative and experiential therapies. Dr. Carla van Laar, a key speaker at this year’s forum, poses a crucial question: “What has been revealed over the past six months of uncertainty regarding access to Creative and Experiential Therapies in the NDIS?” … Read More
“FOREST THERAPY – A SENSORY EXPERIENCE” with Leesa Nash and Alana Stewart.
Let Leesa and Alana guide you through a 3 hour sensory and creative forest therapy experience. Our aim is to provide you with a mindful experience which connects you with nature as a healing companion in your daily lives for co-regulation. … 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
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
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
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
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
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
FELTING FIBRES INTO BEING with Megan Fromholtz
Felting Fibres into Being The sensory nature of felting has many appeals to all ages, abilities and situations. Whether you are creating felt yourself, to use in imaginative play, or guiding clients through the felting journey to find … Read More
ARE YOU A WONDER WORKER?
Feature image above published by the Inverloch RSL: Members of the Inverloch RSL participating in the new “Ocean /Art Mindfulness” wellbeing program for veterans, proudly funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Are you a Wonder Worker? I … 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
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
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
EARTH ART OFFERING with Melissa McDevitt Weston
Earth Art Offering – introducing Ochre Image: “Earth’s Flow” 2022 by Melissa McDevitt Weston. This piece was inspired by how Mother Earth creates such beautiful images in the shapes, colours and textures of the land and waterways. The … Read More
STITCHING OUR STRENGTHS – with Kerri Weymouth & Carla van Laar
Kerri and Carla are teaming up and taking on ‘imposter syndrome’ in this fire side exposé. Lets de-pathologise ‘imposter syndrome’ together, and expose it as a story that serves a particular system of power – the “internalised patriarchy”. … Read More
COCOON IN SOUND: a Journey into Connection with Minky van der Walt
To cocoon: “to envelop in a protective or comforting way” (Oxford languages). Music offers a natural cocoon of comfort, predictability and containment. With its multifaceted and endless permutations of moving forward, slowing down, resting, stretching, expressing, and connecting … Read More
EMBODIED IMPULSE – theatre inspired practice with Henry de Oleveira and Sarah Culy
Henry and Sarah draw on their experience as theatre makers to bring you an exploration of embodied impulse. In this experiential workshop, you are invited to participate in a number of theatre informed practices that emphasise listening to, and expressing, … Read More
THIS ONE’S FOR EVERYONE! COMMUNITY MARKET and PICNIC DINNER
It’s the final night of our 2023 Creative Mental Health Forum and we have been out and about during the day choosing our own creative self care adventures… so, let’s re-group in community, and share our stories, along with … Read More
VERY CASUAL CAMP FIRE TUNES with Jenny Taylor
Round off the day together on Sunday with a rollicking fire side sing-a-long led by local Jumbunna based musician and choir leader Jenny Taylor Jenny is a performer, songwriter teacher and choir leader who has made music her life for … Read More
EMPLOYING THE ARTS FOR EXCELLENCE AND ENGAGEMENT IN RURAL AND REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH
CALL TO ACTION: RURAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Next time your service is advertising a position, add “suitably qualified Creative Arts Therapist” to the list of allied health professionals that can apply to the role. We can help fill gaps in … 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
Victorian State Government agrees to fund Arts Therapy in schools – success for the ACTivate Arts Therapy campaign.
Following the announcement of the new State budget on 20th May, Acting Premier James Merlino announced on breakfast radio that the State Government will be creating a new $200,000 fund to support extra mental health initiatives in schools. He stated … Read More
BOOK LAUNCH: Kim Billington’s “A Counsellor’s Companion: Creative Adventures for Child Counsellors, Parents and Teachers” with illustrations by Tamar Dolev.
I am delighted to be opening speaker at the launch of “A Counsellor’s Companion: Creative Adventures for Child Counsellors, Parents and Teachers”. The book is a wonderfully accessible treasure chest that combines narrative and arts based approaches to working with … 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
6 Months of Activism – Highlights of the ACTivate Arts Therapy Campaign
The ACTivate Arts Therapy campaign began when numbers of experienced and well qualified Arts Therapists were told they could not apply for the new ‘Mental Health Practitioner in Schools’ positions because their profession is not listed in the 2014 Victorian … Read More
Prof. Patrick McGorry urges Government: “Activate Arts Therapy”.
I respectfully urge the Victorian government to expand its definition of “Mental Health Practitioner” to include “Professional Arts Therapists”. Prof Patrick McGorry Prof. Patrick McGorry is Professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and Director of Orygen … Read More
Brodie Caporn, Melbourne Musician and Professional Arts Therapist in training.
Brodie gifts us a theme song for this campaign! “I’d like to see, Arts Therapy”. AND she tells us why this campaign is so important for the health and well being of Victoria’s children, with a personal plea to the … Read More
Debbie – lived experience of Arts Therapy for recovery.
Debbie shares from her lived experience how Arts Therapy has been an important part of her recovery from serious mental distress, and is an ongoing integral part of her mental health care. She advocates for including Arts Therapists as Mental … Read More
Dayne Beams, AFL Footballer, explains how Arts Therapy has been a game changer in his own mental health
“Arts Therapy showed me that I can use the arts to cope with difficult thoughts and emotions, to help me feel calm and productive, and to strengthen my personal relationships” Dayne Beams Dayne speaks out in support of the current … Read More
Chris Petrie, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
Chris shares how he witnesses increased self-esteem and enhanced relationships in his work as a Professional Arts Therapist with NDIS participants. As a former art teacher, he explains some of the differences between an art class and arts therapy. He … Read More
Svetlana Bykovec, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
Svet tells us about her work as an Arts Therapist with CATA, highlighting the adaptability of arts therapy and the power of the arts to engage when working with young people. She explains how CATA is currently offering FREE online … Read More
Eric Zhang, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
Eric describes how Arts Therapy can support student well-being in schools and shares a message of hope for young people who might be going through a hard time at the moment. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/arts-therapist-mental-health-practitioner
“Chill Skills”, anxiety prevention program in secondary schools. A Mental Health initiative by a Professional Arts Therapist.
Sign and share the ART THERAPIST = MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER petition here: https://www.change.org/arts-therapist-mental-health-practitioner Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems experienced by young people. In Australia, anxiety disorders are estimated to affect about one in every 10 young … Read More
Katishe Grudnoff AThR, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
Katishe shares about the many therapeutic contexts she has worked as a Mental Health Practitioner. She highlights her work with young people and how, as the mother of a child in a public school she wants the option of arts … Read More
Gayle King AThR, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
Gayle King AThR describes how Arts Therapy is especially relevant in a school setting working with young people who have experienced trauma. Sign the Art Therapist = Mental Health Practitioner petition here: https://www.change.org/arts-therapist-mental-health-practitioner
Pearl Taylor AThR, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner
Pearl describes how she came to Arts Therapy after being a school art teacher and witnessing the impact engagement in the arts has on the mental health and well-being of students. She shares how she uses arts therapeutic approaches in … Read More
Dr Alisoun Neville, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
Dr Alisoun talks about her work providing arts therapy with NDIS participants experiencing mental health issues. She highlights how arts therapy is an adaptable approach that makes mental health care a personalised experience, with an emphasis on individual choice and … Read More
Su Mei Tan AThR, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
Su tells us about her arts therapeutic approach and its benefits, including reduced anxiety and increased relaxation. She explains why it is so important to support the ARTS THERAPIST = MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER campaign. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/arts-therapist-mental-health-practitioner
Maya Fraser, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
Maya Fraser AThR talks about her work in the regional Victorian La Trobe Community Health Services, the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) and with NDIS clients, describing how Art Therapy is particularly valued by the community yet she has persistently … Read More
Karryne Hearn, Professional Arts Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner.
In this video Karryne tells us about her work as a Professional Arts Therapist in Ballarat and why the Art Therapist = Mental Health Practitioner campaign is so important. The following role descriptions provide examples of Karryne’s experience working in … Read More
Dr Carla van Laar MCAT DTAP AThR – Mental Health Practitioner
Here are some examples of my positions working within organisations as a Mental Health Practitioner: Principal Therapist, VincentCare Young Adults Counselling Service 2016 – 2018 Generate referrals liaising with key stakeholders who are housing service providers Provide individual therapy for … Read More