Tanya Elizabeth Arts Therapy

17/08/2025

Free PD Opportunity!

Embodying Consent: Intro to The Wheel of Consent

Thursday 4th Sept
6.30-8pm AEST
Online

The Meanjin LGBTQIA+SB Network and
Mental Health Professionals' Network MHPN warmly invite you to

Embodying Consent: Intro to The Wheel of Consent
by Stella Topaz

Stella will introduce the Wheel of Consent and how it has shaped her work as a S*xological Bodyworker and a S*x and Consent Educator.

She will share how it is learnt and taught, and how she brings it into working with clients as well as sharing how it may apply in other personal and professional settings.

About the Wheel of Consent®

The Wheel of Consent® is a model and a practice: it takes apart receiving and giving, clarifies your wants and limits, strengthens trust in yourself and improves how you relate with others.

The practices of the Wheel can influence how you approach and experience so many interactions and dynamics - in friendships, intimate relationships, families, workplaces, in activism and communities. It's seemingly simple yet radically transformative!

Originally developed and taught by Dr. Betty Martin, professional trainings and community workshops are now held all around the world.

Stella Topaz is co-teaching Like a Pro, the 5-day Wheel of Consent® training for professionals with Marcia Baczynski in Naarm / Melbourne in October & Meanjin / Brisbane in November.

For more information about the Wheel of Consent and the School of Consent

Meeting will be held ONLINE over Zoom
(You will receive the link once registered)

Thursday 4th September 2025

6:30 - 8pm AEST (Melbourne, Sydney, ACT, TAS, Queensland)

7:00 - 8:30pm ACST (Adelaide, Darwin)

4:30 - 6:00pm AWST (Perth)

To register:

1. Register with MHPN:
https://www.mhpn.org.au/

2. Join the Meanjin LGBTQIA+SB Network
https://www.mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Network/91246

3. Register for this meeting:
https://mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Meeting/26847

For questions & enquiries:

Coordinators of the Meanjin LGBTQIA+SB Network

Tanya Elizabeth Arts Therapy
hellotanyaelizabeth@gmail.com
&
Karina Anderson

13/08/2025

Happy Ekka Day if you're in Meanjin
or Happy Wintery Wednesday everyone!

I am sharing a free webinar / training opportunity!

And a few stat's, resources and supports for LGBTQIA+SB people and communities who are disproportionally impacted by su***de in Australia.

Free LGBTQIA+ Su***de Prevention Webinar

Tuesday, 26 August 2025
1.00pm - 2.00pm AEST
Online

Presented by Mind Out - LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/mindout

Register using this link:
https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/lgbtiqa_su***de_prevention?recruiter_id=7261

Resources:
https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/communityresources

Warning: statistics presented below may cause distress

I acknowledge that every number represented in statistics are people who are loved and part of our community.

I have also included links to services and resources to support your practice below!

Overall, LGBTQIA+ individuals are estimated to be 5 to 11 times more likely to engage in su***de-related behaviors compared to the general population.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/imhspc

These elevated rates are not inherent to sexual orientation or gender identity but are linked to the psychological distress caused by discrimination, prejudice, abuse, and exclusion experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.

https://lifeinmind.org.au/su***de-prevention/priority-populations/lgbtiqa-communities #:~:text=The%20increased%20risk%20of%20su***de,men%20and%2010.3%25%20of%20women.

LGBTIQ+ young people aged 16 to 27 are five times more likely to attempt su***de compared to the general population, with 16% reporting attempts.
https://www.su***depreventionaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Fact-Sheet-LGBTIQ-Populations.pdf

Nearly one in two young Indigenous LGBTIQA+ Australians have attempted su***de at some point in their life, new research has found.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-26/indigenous-lgbtqia-su***de-walkern-katatdjin-rainbow-knowledge/102646976?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link

Services, Supports and Resources

Black Rainbow
https://www.facebook.com/BlackRainbowAustralia/

BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation
https://blaq.org.au/
https://blaq.org.au/resources/

Victorian Pride Centre
https://pridecentre.org.au/resource-directory/

Gayawur Rainbow Model: Affirming Care for LGBTI Well-Beings
Call back service in Meanjin
https://www.qc.org.au/gayawur

Free Webinar: LGBTQIA+ Su***de Prevention
https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/lgbtiqa_su***de_prevention?recruiter_id=7261

Thank you for reading this far and considering some of this information as part of your practice.

With love, kindness & support for you and the incredible work you contribute to the world!

Tanya Elizabeth

We invite you to attend an upcoming webinar that brings together community voices and national leadership in su***de prevention.

04/08/2025

It has been interesting to observe how Acknowledgement of Country can / is being done (by myself and others!)

Do you take a moment to truly feel into the animals, waterways, bush, spirits and people of the Land you are acknowledging?

Or are you at risk of sometimes sounding lifeless, disconnected and tokenistic?! Possibly due to always saying it the same way?!

Continuing to be a culturally competent and humble practitioner is a practice!

Constantly seeking new knowledge, considering different ways to show respect and honour the Custodians of this divine land requires ongoing learning.

My latest little bit of knowledge gathering ...

Acknowledge This! How to give an authentic Acknowledgement of Country!

I'm excited to be doing this training on Wednesday 8th October 12-2pm AEST Online

Lots of dates available!

Thanks for the recommend Chrissy Foreman Artuition StudioChrissy Foreman Your rock!

I'm super keen to learn how to deliver an Acknowledgment of Country that is authentic, heart felt, dynamic and alive! Yes!

https://lnkd.in/gy5cVbz4

How do you continue to grow towards cultural humility and safety in your practice?
(Not a rhetorical question! Genuinely interested!!)

Acknowledge This! How to give an authentic Acknowledgement of Country

31/07/2025

Are you starting out in or in private practice & needing some guidance on your business?!

Some concise up to date info on business fundamentals ...

There is plenty to consider when starting and running a creative business, from deciding what business structure is right for you and registering your business, to understanding tax, super and insurance, and knowing what records you need to keep.

31/07/2025

For East Melbourne folks interested in learning more about Su***de Prevention, either as practitioners, workplaces or clients, who have lived experience of su***de!

I proudly facilitate workshops for Roses in the Ocean and can highly recommend this work for anyone impacted by su***de.

Workshops are free, trauma informed and accessible!

They are also a great way to connect and network with other community members and practitioners! (I may even be facilitating some of the offerings so would love to see you!)

What is lived experience of su***de?
https://rosesintheocean.com.au/lived-experience-of-su***de/what-is-lived-experience/

For people who live and / or work in the Eastern Melbourne region

It Takes a Community To Prevent Su***de

​​​​​​​A Roses in the Ocean initiative to empower the people of Eastern Melbourne with lived experience of su***de to be a catalyst of change and to support organisations to strengthen a lived experience of su***de workforce.

https://rosesintheocean.com.au/it-takes-a-community/

Su***de is not isolated. Su***de does not discriminate. Even if you have not had direct lived experience of su***de, there are people you know who have, and there are avenues for you to take to make a difference.

Su***de affects a community, and it takes a community to help prevent su***de.

We invite you to attend the Information Session & Launch Event

https://rosesintheocean.com.au/it-takes-a-community/

This program invites people throughout community to participate:

People who have lived experience of su***de - you are invited to be a part of the transformative journey within your community and place your voice at the heart of su***de prevention.

Peer workers, or people interested in peer work - you are invited to embark on a professional development program designed to deepen your skills, broaden your knowledge, and strengthen your role in su***de prevention.

Community service organisations – this program also provides a unique opportunity for you to embed the priceless insights gained from people with lived experience of su***de into every layer of your work.

We invite you all to be involved in the various free workshops, peer groups and training sessions that relate to you - to meet you where you are at and take you to where you might like to be to play your part in su***de prevention within your community.
Focus Areas

Lived Experience Voice
Who is this for? This area of focus is for anyone with lived experience of su***de living and / or working in the Eastern Melbourne region.

https://rosesintheocean.com.au/it-takes-a-community-lived-experience-voice/

​​​​​​​Workforce Development
Who is this for? This area of focus in on various workforces:
Su***de prevention peer workers and peer workers in other disciplines. Also for people who are interested in becoming a su***de prevention peer worker.

People with lived experience seeking to develop skills for designated lived experience roles, advisory group opportunities etc.

People in workplaces generally who want to improve their understanding of su***de and how to bring su***de prevention into their work.

​​​​​​​Workplace Support

Who is this for? This program is for community organisations wanting to move to a lived experience of su***de informed and inclusive culture and also for those wanting support to value, embed and lead peer workers within the organisation.

Explore Program: https://rosesintheocean.com.au/it-takes-a-community-workforce-development/

Are you interested in being involved?

We encourage people to register to attend any workshop, peer group, or training session that aligns with your experience, interests, and desired outcomes. We hope to see some familiar faces who attend multiple sessions as we move through this year-long program.

Please feel free to share to those who are interested.

Have a question? Please contact our team at workshops@rosesintheocean.com.au.

26/07/2025

Do you work with young people from migrant backgrounds and wish to support their well-being and social inclusion through the arts and creative activities?"

The Red Pencil (Europe) is delighted to invite you to the closing events of its Hearts of Youth project, a European initiative funded by Erasmus+ that offers practical tools for youth workers aiming to strengthen expression, confidence, and social integration of young migrants through activities inspired by art therapy and dance therapy.

✨ Come and experience our interactive workshops!
Let yourself be surprised by an accessible, sensitive, and joyful approach designed for field professionals. These workshops will allow you to try out creative activities and explore our ready-to-use toolkit, developed with our partners in France, Italy, and Cyprus.

🎥 On the agenda: presentations, activity demonstrations, sharing of experiences, and reflective discussions on practice.

📍 Choose from three events:
Brussels (in English): 9th September 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Bd Emile Jacqmain 95, 1000 Brussels (BE)

Liège (in French): 11th September 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Auberge de Jeunesse Georges Simenon Rue Georges Simenon 2, 4020 Liège (BE)

Online (in English): 16th September 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

👉 Participation is free, but registration is mandatory. As spots are limited, we encourage you to confirm your attendance as soon as possible.
https://forms.gle/qJDGwZ5GhrofYVNHA

We look forward to welcoming you for a moment of inspiration, connection, and discovery.

23/07/2025

You are warmly invited to the Meanjin Creative Arts Therapy (CAT's) Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN) meeting

Free Neuro-affirming Workshop:
How Art Therapy assists ADHD / Autistic Processing

Presenter: Chrissy Foreman
An Autistic - ADHD Artist, Arts Therapist and Educator

Wednesday, 30 July 2025
6:30pm - 8pm AEST
Online

Join us for a creative, insightful professional development workshop, exploring how neuro-affirming arts therapy practices can assist Autistics & ADHD clients.

We will learn:
* The unique ways Autistic & ADHD brains and bodies process sensory, social and emotional experiences.

* How neuro-affirming therapeutic arts practices synergise with neurodivergent processing and self-discovery.

* ‘Nothing about us without us’ the workshop content is informed by current neuro-affirming research and Autistic / ADHD lived experience

If you would like to engage creatively in this meeting, please have paper and a simple selection of pens, pencils, markers etc on hand.

Please register to receive the zoom link and a Certificate of Attendance from MHPN to claim 1.5 hrs PD

To register:
1. Register with MHPN:https://www.mhpn.org.au/
2. Register with the Meanjin CAT’s Networkhttps://www.mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Network/91331
3. To join this meeting:https://mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Meeting/26489

Check out Chrissy’s work at www.artuition.com.au

Tanya Elizabeth for enquiries: hellotanyaelizabeth@gmail.com

About Chrissy Foreman Artuition Studio

Chrissy offers a nurturing, neuro-affirming environment where sensitive, creative individuals can explore therapeutic arts, self-discovery/identity, and well-being.

As someone with a late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, she understands both the challenges and passions that can come with our unique sensitivities and neurotypes.

With a Master’s in Therapeutic Arts and a specialisation in Research, she provides unique offerings designed to support our divergent brains and sensory needs, alongside exciting art materials and processes to strengthen our identity, belonging and capacity.

Chrissy believes our neuro-uniqueness enriches society, and together, we can cultivate agency, creativity and meaningful magic in our lived experience.

18/07/2025

Thank you to the amazing practitioners who attended last night's Meanjin LGBTQIA+SB MHPN Mental Health Professionals' Network session!

Chrissy Foreman Artuition Studio your presentation was super informative, engaging and creative!

Everyone was very enthusiastic in engaging with lego to represent their felt sense.

Thank you so much for your time & energy Chrissy Foreman Artuition Studio

And to Queensland Council for LGBTI Health - QC for use of the divine Aunty Dawn Room!

17/07/2025

An excellent PD on ethical practice when for working with children & families!

https://events.humanitix.com/ethical-practice-working-with-children-families-and-the-law-acdyp3kg

15/07/2025

Really looking forward to this free PD by Chrissy Foreman Artuition Studio presented by Meanjin LGBTQIA+SB MHPN (Mental Health Practitioners Network)!

It's an absolute treat to meet up in-person with fellow practitioners, in real time!

Sensory Street – An experiential, therapeutic arts journey inside lived experience of late diagnosed Autism & ADHD

Tomorrow!
Wed 16th July
In-person
6.30pm - 8pm AEST

Free pizza & drinks provided (GF, Vegan & Vege all catered for!)

Aunty Dawn Daylight Room
Queensland Council for LGBTI Health - QC
15b/421 Brunswick St
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

In this workshop, you will step inside Chrissy’s creative world of sensory experiencing via a fusion of colourful, comic-inspired imagery, LEGO, mindfulness and personal accounts of her Autistic / ADHD processing and identity.

Participants will discover how it can really *feel* to live in a sensitive Autistic-ADHD body, and discover neuro-affirming mindfulness and artistic strategies to support neurodivergent clients.

There will be an opportunity to get creative using LEGO to explore your own identity character, and time for Q & A afterwards the presentation.

No art experience / skills necessary.

To Register:

1. Register with MHPN:
https://www.mhpn.org.au/

2. Join the Meanjin LGBTQIA+SB Network
https://www.mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Network/91246

3. Register for Meeting:
https://mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Meeting/26511

https://artuition.com.au/all-workshops

Experience the nourishment of a creatively regulated nervous system, via therapeutic arts workshops. Online and in-person, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

08/07/2025

Free MHPN Professional Development Interactive Workshop!

Sensory Street – An experiential, therapeutic arts journey inside lived experience of late diagnosed Autism & ADHD

Next Wednesday 16th July
In-person
6.30pm - 8pm AEST

Aunty Dawn Daylight Room
Queensland Council for LGBTI Health - QC
15b/421 Brunswick St
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Level 1
Above Bakery in shopping complex
If driving;
Turn down Martin St
Take the second driveway on the right into parking area

Presented by:
Meanjin LGBTQIAP+SB MHPN (Mental Health Professionals Network)

Chrissy Foreman Artuition Studio

Join MHPN & Artist, Arts Therapist & Neuro-Affirming Researcher Chrissy Foreman, on an intimate, artistic journey through her identity and lived experience with late-diagnosed Autism & ADHD.

Chrissy identifies as cis-pansexual, with ‘pan’ meaning ‘loving towards all,’ which weaves through her intuitive, relational approach between humans and non-humans alike, in her work/life.

In this workshop, you will step inside Chrissy’s creative world of sensory experiencing via a fusion of colourful, comic-inspired imagery, LEGO, mindfulness and personal accounts of her Autistic / ADHD processing and identity.

Participants will discover how it can really *feel* to live in a sensitive Autistic-ADHD body, and discover neuro-affirming mindfulness and artistic strategies to support neurodivergent clients.

There will be an opportunity to get creative using LEGO to explore your own identity character, and time for Q & A afterwards the presentation.

No art experience / skills necessary.

To Register:

1. Register with MHPN:
https://www.mhpn.org.au/

2. Join the Meanjin LGBTQIA+SB Network
https://www.mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Network/91246

3. Register for Meeting:
https://mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Meeting/26511

Presenter:
Chrissy Foreman | An Autistic - ADHD Artist, Arts Therapist and Educator

Chrissy offers a nurturing, neuro-affirming environment where sensitive, creative individuals can explore therapeutic arts, self-discovery/identity, and well-being.

As someone with a late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, she understands both the challenges and passions that can come with our unique sensitivities and neurotypes.

With a Master’s in Therapeutic Arts and a specialisation in Research, she provides unique offerings designed to support our divergent brains and sensory needs, alongside exciting art materials and processes to strengthen our identity, belonging and capacity.

Chrissy believes our neuro-uniqueness enriches society, and together, we can cultivate agency, creativity and meaningful magic in our lived experience.

Check out Chrissy’s work at www.artuition.com.au

Chrissy holds a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Specialising in Research with The MIECAT Institute and uses autoethnographic arts-based research to advocate for neuro-affirming inclusivity, strengths and accommodations, underpinned by meaningful, soulful connection with humans and non-humans alike.

Learn more at www.chrissyforeman.com

Network Coordinators:
Tanya Elizabeth ph: 0423 976 519
Karina Anderson

To Register:

1. Register with MHPN:
https://www.mhpn.org.au/

2. Join the Meanjin LGBTQIA+SB Network
https://www.mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Network/91246

3. Register for Meeting:
https://mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Meeting/26511

23/06/2025

Wow! I adore this non-pathologising approach to suicidal experiences. Witnessing expressions of suicidal feelings with openness, love and care!

Of course, the ADHD Creative Arts Therapist in me sees all the modalities ... imagine death songs, death poems, dances, sculptures, collages and more! Beautiful!

https://www.mindaustralia.org.au/news/fear-based-love-based-responses-depathologising-engagement-su***de

Here is Mush speaking about her project:
https://youtu.be/t1d48Ca6MPw?si=dIOQXARHayAl18y2

And footage of the event:
https://youtu.be/MrWYZa47Kkw?si=op3ZJQEusis-dLqj

2024 Stratford Scholarship recipient Mush McLoughlan’s ‘deathsong witnessing event’ attempts to move away from fear-based to love-based responses to su***de.