Erin McCrorey - Intrinsic Value Art Therapy

27/08/2026

Today's glimmers from a very special 'rainbow outing' ✨️🌈

21/08/2026

This research resonates deeply with what I observe in my work with children in primary school settings.

Most children are respectful and responsive, but I have become increasingly concerned by some of the attitudes and behaviours I occasionally see in young boys towards female teachers and other female education and support staff. When disrespect, hostility or a refusal to accept direction appears to be influenced by the fact that the adult giving the instruction is a woman, it is something we need to notice and take seriously.

What is particularly striking is that this research found teachers reporting students quoting influencers and using misogynistic language to justify refusing instructions from female staff while complying with identical instructions from male colleagues - with this behaviour reported among children as young as six.

This is not about blaming boys - or their families. Attitudes towards women are learned, and they can also be changed.

If we are serious about preventing violence against women, we cannot wait until boys are young men to begin the conversation. The attitudes that sit beneath gendered violence do not emerge from nowhere. They are shaped by the messages children receive about women, girls, gender, power, respect and whose authority matters.

Schools, families and communities all have an important role to play in helping children develop respect, empathy and healthy relationships. Prevention is not about telling boys they are the problem. It is about recognising that they deserve support to grow up in a world that values women and girls equally - and giving them opportunities to question harmful messages before those attitudes become more deeply embedded.

This research is a timely reminder that respectful relationships education and the prevention of gender-based violence must begin early.

“Engagement with ‘manosphere’ content, po*******hy and online dating showed the strongest links to misogynistic views,” Dr Meger, said.

https://www.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/august/young-people-more-likely-to-hold-hostile-attitudes-towards-women,-study-finds

25/06/2026

Question: What can happen when a group of creative nature loving children work together and imagine what is possible?....

This term I have been fortunate to support an incredible group of primary school students to develop their own project while also nurturing their social and emotional development through the arts.

This is a tiny little sneak peak into what they have been up to through their creative inquiries and I cant wait for the finished project to be shared with the community.

This wonderful initiative is through The Song Room! Check them out to learn more about the wonderful arts-based learning, growth, connection and hope being nurtured in schools today.

22/06/2026

This morning I facilitated a beautiful eco-arts session. In the crisp fresh air with the warm sun on our backs, we sang and smiled - what could be better?
🧡🤎💛

18/12/2025

My last day of arts therapy for 2025 brings wishes of peace, love, joy and hope to all. May you be safe these coming weeks - looking forward to seeing everyone again in the new year. ☀️🤍💚❤️🌊

14/12/2025

I’m honoured to have been part of - and to now share forward - the newly released short film documenting the 2025 Creative Mental Health Forum & Collective Care Retreat.

While we all come together as a collective, this event and documentary are created by the wonderful Dr Carla van Laar Creative Arts Therapy. So many of us - attendees and wider community alike - are deeply grateful for her vision, care, and dedication in creating this incredibly important (and not-to-be-missed) experience.
Thankyou Carla - we love you so much 💜

🎬 You can watch the film online for free here:
[https://vimeo.com/1145850756?fbclid=IwVERDUAOqqJFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4S4tGOGQUos_PwdrC9w791IPsg6dKlXJxR-2c0ZX_86v_mPTPqY_3gQzcfZQ_aem_mZmug3ITRqKnTvfrRrqKOQ](https://vimeo.com/1145850756?fbclid=IwVERDUAOqqJFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4S4tGOGQUos_PwdrC9w791IPsg6dKlXJxR-2c0ZX_86v_mPTPqY_3gQzcfZQ_aem_mZmug3ITRqKnTvfrRrqKOQ)
Massive thanks and credit also go to Dan O'Halloran for his photography, videography and supportive and encouraging interviewing style - I was nervous! 🙏🏼🩵

This marked the 5th year of this extraordinary four day gathering, held on Bunnerong (BoonWurrung) Country of the Yowengarra people in Inverloch. I am also deeply grateful to Aunty Sonia Louise Weston, who every year welcomes us with such generosity - sharing her wisdom about connection, community, relationship, caring for one another and for this beautiful place.
Thankyou Sis for everything - knowing you and learning from you has made my passion for creativity, for nature and for the power of this work even more meaningful 💚

If you’re curious about the Creative Mental Health Forum, collective community care, and the inspiring work happening across our industry, I encourage you to enjoy this special film (just over 30 minutes).

I was fortunate to present a natural fibres weaving workshop at this year’s forum, and some colleagues and I are interviewed throughout the film where I speak briefly about my practice too.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into the world of Creative and Experiential Therapies - my wonderful community of caring professionals.
✨️👁🩷🌿🎭🎨🕺🏻🌊🖍🎶

Please… enjoy watching.
Erin 🫶🏼

Filmed on BoonWurrung Country, Inverloch, Australia This documentary shares stories from the fifth annual Creative Mental Health Forum — a four-day gathering…

06/12/2025

This is an incredibly meaningful step during this important time of reform within the mental health system. I am very proud to be a PACFA registered Creative Arts Therapist and certified practicing counsellor.

Advocating for counsellors and psychotherapists, PACFA CEO Johanna de Wever has outlined in GP publication The Medical Republic why the new National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists are a game-changer for GPs, clients, and the broader mental health system.

With the government’s endorsement of these standards, GPs can now refer to PACFA-registered counsellors and psychotherapists with greater confidence, knowing they meet nationally recognised benchmarks in training, supervision, ethics and professional development.

A large share of mild-to-moderate presentations can be effectively supported by PACFA-registered counsellors and psychotherapists—helping reduce wait times, improving access to timely care, and freeing psychologists and psychiatrists to focus on those with more complex needs.

This is a meaningful step toward a more responsive, efficient and equitable mental health system.

https://www.medicalrepublic.com.au/new-national-standards-for-counsellors-and-psychotherapists-what-they-mean-to-gps/121827

19/11/2025

In a Creative Arts Therapy session with me, you’re invited to choose the materials that speak to you. With a range of possibilities, your creative process becomes uniquely yours - grounded in your strengths, abilities, and sense of choice. Materials could include clay, collage, paint, pastel, creative writing, weaving, drawing....and more. Today, a range of materials were explored to create responses to different styles of music.
The artworks pictured are some of my own creative responses 🐘🎶🌳🔥☁️🌦
What would you like to explore?