The Healing Power of Art for Mental Health with Lisa Callaghan Ep 220 - The Global Discussion

The Global Discussion

Guest Lisa Callaghan joined Host Simon Hodgkins to discuss her work in the arts and mental health sector. This episode covers Lisa's passion for creativity, her journey through challenges, and her dedication to helping others heal through artistic expression. A Multifaceted Artist on a Mission Lisa Callaghan wears many hats, each reflective of her commitment to using art for connection and healing. As the Grants and Development Coordinator at Helium Arts, Lisa plays a vital role in an organization that brings creativity into the lives of children with lifelong health conditions. Beyond her work with Helium Arts, Lisa is also the founder of Expressive Minds, an initiative dedicated to enhancing mental health through art. It was born from her own experiences of recovery through creativity.

With a rich history that spans media, international education, and the arts, Lisa brings a wealth of varied experience to her projects. Lisa has learned to blend structure and creativity from her time at media agencies in Dublin to working in Italian language schools. It was during her stay in Italy that a pivotal moment changed her life. After experiencing a sudden health crisis, Lisa discovered the transformative power of art, not only as an emotional outlet but also as a therapeutic tool that could help others. Art as a Lifeline: The Birth of Expressive Minds Lisa shares her journey through mental health challenges, specifically her experience with psychosis while living abroad. Through this deeply personal story, Lisa explained how art played a crucial role in her recovery. She found a sense of belonging and self-expression by joining art groups, which inspired her to start Expressive Minds. Expressive Minds is designed to connect experienced artists with mental health services in the Sligo-Leitrim area of Ireland, creating a space for individuals to experience the benefits of art in a structured but nurturing environment. The Healing Power of Art: Helium Arts and Beyond Lisa's role at Helium Arts also speaks to her passion for the therapeutic aspects of creativity. Helium Arts is an Irish charity that works with children living with lifelong physical health conditions, bringing art into hospital clinics and community spaces. As Lisa discussed, the "Create While You Wait" initiative provides a beautiful way for children to explore their creativity while waiting for outpatient appointments, transforming an otherwise stressful experience into a calming and enjoyable one. Art, Nature, and Community Lisa also touched on the importance of nature in her artistic and personal life. She spoke about her experiences leading workshops that combine printmaking with elements of nature—using leaves, flowers, and natural textures to create art that's beautiful and deeply connected to the world around us. It's about getting back to basics, stepping away from our screens, and allowing ourselves to play—just like we did as children. Lisa remains focused on expanding Expressive Minds and ensuring that mental health services and creative arts become more sustainable and intertwined. Follow The Global Discussion on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and more! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Creatives, Leaders, and Thinkers on The Global Discussion. Join the newsletter for updates on new episodes. Watch or listen to The Global Discussion Web: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ Audio Podcast: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Google⁠ | ⁠Apple⁠ Video Podcast: ⁠https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/TGD-YouTube⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn/Social Media ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion⁠⁠ Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook