Active Kreative Perspectives

In this profoundly moving episode of Active Kreative Perspectives, Valerie Ogorodnyk is joined by the incredible Rae Bonney—mental health advocate, dedicated champion for men's wellbeing, mother, and grandmother—whose powerful insights on raising boys, suicide prevention, and the deep roots of societal stigma will leave listeners reflecting long after the episode concludes. Rae is a bold advocate, a compassionate changemaker, and a fearless voice dedicated to men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Rae Bonney isn’t afraid to dive into tough conversations that society often avoids.In this powerful episode of Active Kreative Perspectives, Rae and host Valerie Ogorodnyk raise critical themes about masculinity, parenting, and societal expectations. They explore hard-hitting questions:🔸 Who’s truly accountable for how our boys are raised?🔸 Why do we continue labeling men's suffering as mental health issues without addressing deeper, societal root causes?🔸 How can we create environments where men feel heard, valued, and empowered rather than disposable?Join us as Rae shares deeply personal insights, provocative ideas, and challenges us all to rethink how we shape the future of men in our lives.✨ Memorable Quotes from Rae:"My approach is never to help, never to fix, never to give advice or never tell people what to do. It's always to create space."Most male suicide has nothing to do with mental health problems as an origin. It’s about relationship breakdown, financial distress, custody issues.""It's about respecting how masculinity turns up in your child—not squashing it, but celebrating it.""It's not our job to make our kids into who we want them to be. It's our job to help them into who they already are."🕒 Episode Highlights:[00:00:38] Introduction to Rae’s advocacy.[00:02:11] Rae's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an advocate for men's mental health and suicide prevention.[00:05:11] Raising sons differently and breaking societal norms.[00:07:13] Suicide prevention: Why most male suicides aren't primarily mental health issues.[00:08:09] Exploring feminism’s impact on men and societal roles.[00:13:16] Rae’s approach to supporting men through crises.[00:19:29] Importance of inherent curiosity and resilience.[00:27:47] Rae’s transition into grandparenthood and its transformative power.[00:30:08] Rae’s influential role in Global Action for Men's Health.[00:38:48] Common trajectory leading men to crisis and suicide.[00:44:21] The responsibility of parents in shaping future generations.[00:50:08] The importance of celebrating masculinity positively.💬 Share your thoughts with us! What truth did Rae awaken for you?Here are the links to reach Rae Bonney:Linked InWebsiteYouTube#MensMentalHealth

Dr. Alana (Lani) Roy - is a psychologist, social worker, researcher and advocate for psychedelic-assisted therapy. With a background in complex trauma, sexual abuse, family violence and disability, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals through non-traditional healing modalities. She provides education, training and harm reduction strategies for psychedelic integration. She is also a founding chair of the Australian Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Practitioners (AMAPP),https://amapp.org/ working to ensure ethical and safe access to psychedelic treatments.Through her work, Dr. Roy bridges the gap between science and spirituality, advocating for evidence-based approaches while honouring the sacred and indigenous traditions. Her mission is to help individuals reconnect with themselves, heal generational trauma and transform mental health care systems. 🔹 Psychedelic-assisted therapy as a tool for trauma recovery 🔹 The ethical and legal challenges of psychedelics in Australia 🔹 Science vs. spirituality in mental health treatment 🔹 Art therapy and creative expression in psychedelic integration 🔹 Breaking generational trauma through parenting & self-awareness ⏱ [00:00:07] – Introduction & Background Valerie welcomes Dr. Lani Roy, a psychologist and social worker, who has spent her career working in complex trauma, sexual abuse, and family violence. Dr. Roy shares how mainstream mental health treatments often fail to reach the depth of healing needed for trauma survivors. ⏱ [00:03:07] – Discovering Psychedelic Therapy After years of searching for more effective trauma treatments, Dr. Roy shares how her personal journey led her to ayahuasca and other plant medicines, igniting her passion for research and advocacy in psychedelic-assisted therapy. ⏱ [00:06:09] – Balancing Science & the Mystery Dr. Roy discusses the paradox of being both a scientist and a spiritual seeker. She emphasises the importance of blending evidence-based approaches with sacred traditions. ⏱ [00:09:18] – Challenges in Psychedelic Legalisation & Equity Despite Australia's progress in legalising MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression, accessibility remains a major issue. ⏱ [00:16:30] – The Deepest Transformation Through Psychedelics Dr. Roy reflects on the most profound impact of psychedelic therapy: "I've seen people who have survived the worst kinds of trauma—abuse, war, and torture—find a light that is stronger than their enemy’s darkness." She highlights how psychedelics help survivors reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and sense of meaning in life. ⏱ [00:23:01] – The Role of Art Therapy in Integration Dr. Roy discusses the power of creative expression in helping individuals process psychedelic experiences: "Art is a tool for expressing the unspeakable. It allows people to externalise experiences that have no language." She also explores how virtual reality and digital art are emerging as tools in psychedelic integration. ⏱ [00:26:38] – The SWIM Model: Psychedelic Integration Framework Introducing the SWIM Model, which stands for: Somatic work – grounding the body after psychedelic experiences Wisdom – drawing from philosophy, ethics, and reflection Interdependence – strengthening community ties Metacognition – developing critical thinking & self-awareness ⏱ [00:39:12] – Parenting & Consciousness Expansion As a mother of two, Dr. Roy shares how raising children in an open and aware environment shifts generational trauma. She describes children as: "The most psychedelic beings—naturally intuitive, creative, and free until the world teaches them otherwise." ⏱ [00:42:37] – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect Dr. Roy encourages those interested in psychedelic-assisted therapy, harm reduction, and ethical consciousness to connect via: https://thesignsoflife.com.au/

💡 "Art gave me a sense of identity. It was the one place where I felt calm, understood, and at peace." – Annie FoxIn this inspiring episode of Active Creative Perspectives, host Valerie welcomes Annie Fox, a UK-trained art psychotherapist now based in Australia, to discuss the intersection of art, psychology, and spirituality in therapy. From overcoming neurodivergence through creativity to breaking down barriers in clinical and expressive therapies, this episode is a deep dive into the transformational power of art therapy.🔹 Key Takeaways & Topics:🕒 [00:01:04] – Discovering Art Therapy: Annie’s journey from struggling with dyslexia to finding her identity through art.🕒 [00:03:47] – Art Therapy in the UK vs. Australia: Differences in clinical frameworks and the role of spirituality in healing.🕒 [00:06:26] – Integrating Spirituality into Therapy: Why working with people close to death opened Annie’s approach to soul-centered therapy.🕒 [00:08:41] – The Shift in Perspective: How embracing spirituality and connection to nature deepened her practice.🕒 [00:11:33] – The Medical Model vs. Expressive Healing: Why modern mental health struggles with recognizing the power of art.🕒 [00:15:20] – The Misunderstanding of Art Therapy: How the word “art” leads to misconceptions and the risks of unregulated trauma-informed practices.🕒 [00:22:08] – Why Self-Expression Matters: "We would burst if we didn’t express ourselves"—art therapy as a release for unspoken emotions.🕒 [00:27:29] – Annie’s Current Projects: Long-service leave, researching art therapy assessments, and launching a new art collective for art therapists.🎧 What You’ll Learn:🎨 How art therapy differs in the UK vs. Australia💫 The role of spirituality in healing and mental health🖌️ Why self-expression is essential for emotional well-being⚠️ The misconceptions & risks of unregulated trauma-informed practices🎭 Annie’s mission to create a new art collective for art therapists✨ If you’ve ever felt the need to express yourself but didn’t know how—this episode is for you! #ArtTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #CreativeHealing #ActiveKreative #SelfExpression #HealingThroughArt

In this thought-provoking episode of Perspectives Podcast, Valerie sits down with Carmen Oprea, an art therapist, researcher, and the visionary behind the International Art Therapy Conference. Together, they explore the evolution of art therapy, its impact on global communities, and the necessity of bridging creative modalities to enhance the field. Carmen shares her journey from Romania to Canada, her passion for uniting art therapists worldwide, and the transformative power of creativity in healing. The discussion dives into the growing recognition of art therapy, the impact of neuroscience on validating artistic healing, and the increasing need to integrate diverse creative modalities. Carmen reflects on the challenges of curating an international conference and the importance of honoring cultural perspectives in therapeutic work. Together, they explore the role of art therapy in addressing grief, trauma and collective healing in a polarised world. 📌 Looking to the Future – As art therapy continues to grow in recognition, Carmen sees a shift in collective understanding: “There’s more and more evidence, and we don’t need to prove it anymore—we just need to do the work.” Join us as we uncover how art therapy continues to break barriers and why it is becoming a crucial force in mental health worldwide. 📌 Episode Timeline & Key Topics: 00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction: Valerie welcomes Carmen and highlights her contributions to the art therapy world. 02:00 – 06:00 | From Romania to Canada: Carmen’s journey into art therapy and how her artistic background shaped her career. 06:00 – 10:00 | The Instinctive Power of Art: Why art therapy feels "invented" by those who practice it and how it connects across cultures. 10:00 – 15:00 | Science Meets Creativity: How neuroscience is proving what ancient cultures have always known about art’s healing properties. 15:00 – 20:00 | Founding the International Art Therapy Conference: Carmen’s inspiration to create a global platform for therapists. 20:00 – 25:00 | Trends in Art Therapy: The rising demand for trauma-informed care and interdisciplinary approaches. 25:00 – 30:00 | Challenges in the Field: Addressing misconceptions, polarization, and the need for global collaboration. 30:00 – 35:00 | The Future of Art Therapy: Where the profession is headed and the role of advocacy in shaping policies. 35:00 – 41:00 | Final Thoughts: The importance of bridging creative modalities and Carmen’s vision for upcoming summits. https://www.artstherapies.org

🎙️ Transpersonal Art Therapy, Psychedelic Integration & Healing with Shanan Costello 🌿🎨In this deep and insightful conversation, I sit down with Shanan Costello, a transpersonal art therapist and psychedelic integration specialist based in Tulum, Mexico. Together, we explore the intersection of art therapy, trauma healing, and the responsible use of psychedelics in therapeutic settings.Shanan shares her personal journey—from growing up in Sydney, struggling with PTSD, and discovering art therapy as a healing tool, to immersing herself in psychedelic-assisted healing practices. We discuss the importance of integration, the misconceptions around psychedelics, and the power of creativity in mental health transformation.💡 Topics Covered:⏳ [00:01:00] – Shanan’s Journey: From Australia to Tulum⏳ [00:04:00] – Discovering Art Therapy & Transpersonal Healing⏳ [00:10:00] – Psychedelics & Trauma Healing: The Missing Integration Piece⏳ [00:18:00] – The Rise of Psychedelics: Hype vs. Responsible Use⏳ [00:28:00] – Art Therapy as a Tool for Integration⏳ [00:35:00] – Society’s Shift Toward Holistic Healing⏳ [00:40:00] – How to Find a Safe Psychedelic Facilitator⏳ [00:45:00] – What’s Next for Shanan’s Work in Healing & Education✨ This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of art, trauma recovery, and conscious psychedelic use.🎧 Tune in now:🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvBYetpHx6s&list=PLBgNHMH16EplVq7XpHTNJly-aGP4kU_5N🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/active-kreative-perspectives/id1717582562🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Dque6ywZJbxrata3ZZa4x?si=138a675dc8a24d71Let’s start the conversation! What are your thoughts on art therapy and psychedelic integration? 👇💬#ArtTherapy #PsychedelicIntegration #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #TranspersonalHealing #CreativeHealing

Advocating for Art Therapy: Protecting the Profession & Ensuring Ethical Practice with Jennifer August.In this thought-provoking episode of Active Kreative Perspectives, Valerie sits down with Jennifer August, LPAT, LCPAT, ATR-BC, a dedicated art therapist and passionate advocate for the profession. Jennifer shares her incredible journey into the world of art therapy, from her early days as a psychology student in rural Ohio to becoming a leading advocate for art therapy regulations and recognition in the United States.Together, they discuss the global challenges facing art therapy, the importance of ethical standards, and why advocacy is crucial in ensuring that art therapy remains a professional, regulated field. Jennifer sheds light on the misconceptions about art therapy, the risks of unqualified practice, and the fight to ensure access to proper mental health care through art-based interventions.This episode is a must-listen for art therapists, mental health professionals, and anyone passionate about using creativity as a tool for healing.Timestamps & Key Topics:⏳ [00:00:01] – Introduction & Welcoming Jennifer August⏳ [00:01:50] – Jennifer's Personal Journey into Art Therapy⏳ [00:04:52] – How Art Therapy is Perceived & The Challenges of Awareness⏳ [00:08:33] – The Global Battle for Art Therapy Recognition⏳ [00:13:57] – The Role of Advocacy in Protecting Art Therapy⏳ [00:19:29] – The Dangers of Unqualified Practice⏳ [00:22:11] – Why Art Therapy is Not Just "Making Art"⏳ [00:25:36] – How to Advocate for Art Therapy⏳ [00:27:20] – Where to Find Jennifer August & Learn MoreJennifer August, LPAT, LCPAT, ATR-BCLicensed, Registered and Board-Certified Art TherapistRehoboth Beach, Delaware USAThe Art Therapy Waywww.arttherapyway.comArt Therapy Clarionwww.arttherapyclarion.comWhy You Should Listen:✅ Learn why art therapy needs regulation to protect both clients and professionals.✅ Understand the real dangers of unqualified practice in mental health.✅ Gain insights into global advocacy efforts and how you can help support art therapy.✅ Be inspired by Jennifer’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the profession.🎙️ Join us for this powerful discussion and be part of the movement to protect and promote art therapy worldwide!

In this deeply inspiring episode of Active Kreative Perspectives with Vanashree Ghate, an art-based therapist, mindfulness educator, and founder of HEAL Foundation, an organisation dedicated to bringing holistic healing to vulnerable communities in India.Vanashree’s journey is one of transformation—shifting from a corporate career to then discovering her passion for art-based therapy as a tool for healing. Together, Valerie and Vanashree explore the power of art, mindfulness and deep self-connection in a world that often prioritises external achievements over inner peace.⏳ [00:00] – Introduction & A Journey to Healing – Vanashree’s shift from corporate life to holistic education.🎨 [00:02] – Discovering Art-Based Therapy – How art became a bridge between personal expression and healing.🏫 [00:07] – Waldorf Education & Its Impact – Why Vanashree chose alternative education for her children and how it shaped their paths.🖌️ [00:14] – The Transformative Power of Art – How creativity opens pathways for self-discovery, emotional regulation, and deep healing.🌍 [00:22] – The State of Mental Health in India – Challenges, misconceptions, and the growing awareness post-COVID.🧘 [00:25] – The Role of Mindfulness – Why inner awareness is crucial and how mindful practices can create ethical, conscious living.🏡 [00:33] – Finding Home Within – The evolving nature of “home” as an internal space rather than an external place.💭 [00:35] – Misconceptions of Inner Peace – Why self-connection doesn’t always feel blissful, and how to embrace all emotions as part of the journey.📢 [00:38] – The Future of Mental Health & Healing – How we can integrate these practices into everyday life and make self-connection a norm.✨ “Happiness is not about external circumstances—it’s about being at peace with whatever arises.” – Vanashree GhateThis episode is a gentle yet powerful reminder that healing is a journey, not a destination. Whether through meditation, art, or mindful awareness, each of us can find ways to connect to our true selves and build a more conscious, compassionate world.📩 Connect with Vanashree Ghate:🔗 Website: www.anantara.org🎧 Listen now and explore the healing power of art and mindfulness!🔗 Contact Valerie Ogorodnyk: https://www.activekreative.com/#ArtTherapy #Mindfulness #HealingJourney #MentalHealth #HolisticHealing #WaldorfEducation #ExpressiveArts #SelfDiscovery #ActiveKreative #FindingHome

The Long Journey Home: Finding Freedom, Healing, and Purpose with Otto GatterniggIn this profound episode of Active Kreative Perspectives, Valerie sits down with Otto Gatternigg, a mentor, educator, and spiritual guide whose life has been a testament to transformation, resilience, and the search for inner freedom.Otto shares his heroic journey—from burnout and crisis in Austria to his spiritual rebirth in Southeast Asia, where he discovered the true essence of home within himself. His experiences of personal struggle, teaching across cultures, and supporting mental health in a shifting global landscape offer a deeply reflective and inspiring conversation.Together, Valerie and Otto explore:⏳ [00:00] – Introduction & The Journey Home – Otto’s transformation and why life is a continuous path toward self-discovery.🌏 [00:02] – Burnout & Awakening – How Otto’s breakdown led him to Thailand, where an unexpected spiritual experience changed his life.🕊️ [00:06] – Living in the Present Moment – Letting go of the past, embracing the now, and finding fulfillment through presence.✈️ [00:10] – A New Life in Southeast Asia – Selling everything and relocating to Cambodia with only two suitcases and a deep sense of trust.🧘 [00:15] – The Inner Home – Understanding true freedom and the feeling of being at home within oneself.⚖️ [00:22] – Balancing the Modern World & Spirituality – How we can integrate spiritual wisdom with everyday responsibilities.🌍 [00:25] – The Mental Health Crisis – Why we are at a pivotal moment in history, and how the world is undergoing a karmic transformation in 2025.📚 [00:30] – Healing Through Listening – The role of deep, compassionate listening in personal growth and mental well-being.🎓 [00:35] – Transforming Education & Parenting – Otto’s revolutionary approach to teaching that empowered students and brought joy back into learning.💫 [00:40] – The Future of Humanity – Why we must move forward as a global community, reconnecting with ancient wisdom while embracing new ways of being.✨ "Together, we are all just walking each other home." – Ram DassOtto’s wisdom, drawn from Buddhism, deep personal experience, and global teaching, invites us to question our constructs, redefine success, and embrace the transformative power of presence.

From Ballerina to Startup Founder: The Power of Storytelling with Christine Matheson-GreenIn this deeply engaging episode of Active Kreative Perspectives, Valerie sits down with the inspiring Christine Matheson-Green, founder of Remember Press, a publishing platform that helps people turn their stories into lasting legacies.At 73 years young, Christine defies expectations by launching a tech startup, proving that creativity, resilience, and the courage to evolve know no age limits. With a life journey that spans being a ballet dancer, actress, teacher, entrepreneur, journalist, and now a book-writing coach, Christine shares how each chapter of her life led her to the next, driven by her mantra: Why not?Together, Valerie and Christine explore:⏳ [00:00] – Introduction & Christine’s Journey – From Brisbane to Japan, Tasmania, and beyond, Christine’s adventurous life unfolds.💡 [00:05] – Overcoming Ageism & Entrepreneurship at 73 – How she tackled tech startup challenges as a non-tech founder.📖 [00:13] – The Power of Storytelling – Why writing and publishing your story can be a transformative and healing process.🧘‍♀️ [00:16] – Writing as Therapy – How memoirs can cleanse trauma and create a new sense of purpose.🌍 [00:24] – Digital Evolution & The Future of Publishing – Embracing AI while preserving the human essence of storytelling.📚 [00:32] – How to Start Your Own Book – Breaking down the process into four simple questions: Why, What, How, and Who.🎭 [00:40] – The Legacy of Stories – Why our stories matter, and how leaving behind our narratives shapes history.✨ “We began with stories around the campfire to keep us safe. Our stories are our legacy.” – Christine Matheson-GreenChristine’s passion for helping people shape their books and share their wisdom shines throughout this episode, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to leave their mark through writing.📩 Connect with Christine:🔗 Website: www.rememberpress.com📧 Email: hello@rememberpress.com🎧 Listen now and start writing the story that only YOU can tell!🔗Website: https://www.activekreative.com/#Storytelling #Memoirs #CreativeWriting #HealingThroughWriting #ActiveKreative #ChristineMathesonGreen #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #Publishing #WritingCoach #Ageism #SelfPublishing