Mental Challenges past shows

MH25-9. Laurie Larkin-Boyle, Expressive Arts for Healing

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Laurie Larkin- Boyle, on air from March 5th

 The Power of Expressive Arts in Healing and Community Building

Join us as we explore the transformative power of expressive arts with Laurie Larkin-Boyle, RCC, MEd, Art Therapist, and “doing a Doctorate in Expressive Arts” . With over 20 years of experience, Laurie shares how creativity, movement, and hands-on learning can support mental health, build resilience, and foster stronger communities.

In this episode, Laurie discusses her research on expressive arts as a tool for community development and individual healing, drawing from her work in art therapy, education, and counselling. She shares insights from her private practice, LARKIN-BOYLE Therapy, where she supports children and adults navigating ADHD, trauma, grief, anxiety, and family transitions.

We also dive into her experience as a trained Virtues Project facilitator, her collaborations with First Nations Elders on community development initiatives, and her work on The Values Blanket Project, which provides Indigenous youth with a space for identity, healing, and connection through the arts.

Tune in to learn how creative expression can empower individuals, build confidence, and spark meaningful social change. Whether you’re an educator, mental health professional, or someone passionate about the arts, this conversation will inspire new ways to integrate creativity into daily life.

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Laurie Larkin-Boyle, RCC, MEd, Art Therapist, PhD Candidate

Registered Clinical Counsellor | Art Therapist | Educator

Laurie Larkin-Boyle is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Art Therapist, and Educator with over 20 years of experience using creativity, movement, and hands-on learning to support children, adolescents, and families.

Pursuing a Ph.D. in Expressive Arts at the European Graduate School in Switzerland, her research explores how expressive arts foster community development and through individual healing. She holds a Master’s in Art Education, a Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.

In her private practice, LARKIN-BOYLE Therapy (Nanaimo, BC), and through HelpClinic.ca, Laurie provides expressive and sensory-motor art therapy for children and adults navigating ADHD, trauma, grief, anxiety, and family transitions.

As a former District Counsellor, she offered individual and group counselling and currently leads professional development workshops, helping educators integrate social-emotional learning and creative expression into classrooms.

A trained Virtues Project facilitator, Laurie empowers children and youth to build confidence, manage anxiety, and create positive change. She collaborates with First Nations Elders on community development initiatives, integrating cultural traditions into creative projects. She also facilitates The Values Blanket Project, providing Indigenous youth with a space for identity, healing, and connection.

Laurie’s work has been showcased in art exhibitions and community arts initiatives. She has delivered keynotes, professional development sessions, and creative workshops, equipping educators and counsellors with tools to integrate art into their practice.

Laurie is passionate about helping people connect, heal, and find their voice through creativity. Whether singing, making art, exploring nature, or spending time with family, she embraces the joy and inspiration that fuel her work, making a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.

Psychology Today

Help Clinic Canada

 larkinboyletherapy.com

larkinboyletherapy@gmail.com

Social media links. @larkinboyletherapy 

linkedin.com/in/laurie-larkin-boyle-

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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support; thank you. And please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book into awareness.

MH25-05. Paul Dought’s Superpower Resilience

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Paul Daughty, on air from February 4th


Paul’s message, “Resilience: My Ultimate Superpower,” embodies his mission to empower individuals to embrace their own strength and create a legacy of success and positivity. ?

Paul Doughty is a dedicated public and survivor speaker hailing from Scituate, MA. His life’s journey has been marked by formidable challenges that have profoundly shaped his character and outlook. From a young age, Paul wrestled with circumstances that steered him toward despair. However, with unwavering determination and an intrinsic belief in the power of resilience, he has turned his tale of adversity into one of triumph. His story is a testament to the unfaltering human spirit when met with hardship. ?

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As a speaker and author, Paul’s true story of growing up in an abusive home and then being left unsupervised through his teenage years is now being developed into a TV series. ?

The metamorphosis Paul underwent is not solely his own doing. Through the empathetic guidance of a mentor, the transformative process of therapy, which led to a profound Spiritual Awakening, and the strength culled from various passions, he re-authored his life’s narrative. As he shares his experiences with audiences, he aims to catalyze a similar awakening within them—to inspire and demonstrate that with support, inner resolve, and courage, anyone can overcome their trials and emerge stronger. ?

.pauldoughtyspeaks.com/coming-soon-03

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www.pdspeaks.com 

paul@pdseaks.com 

Paul Doughty | LinkedIn 

Facebook 

PODCAST

Paul Doughty (@pdspeaks) • Instagram

youtube.com/@pauldoughtyspeaks

Paul Doughty (@PRDoughty) / X

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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support; thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help bring this book to awareness.

MH25-04. Lori Chenger, D is for Dementia

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Lori Chenger, on air from January 28th

I am sharing information on my children’s book D is for Dementia, which helps explain the concept of dementia to children. After losing my dad to dementia, I realized that we often leave children out of these conversations, thinking it’s too complex for them to understand.

Storytelling helps us navigate fear and uncertainty. Communication within families is essential as we face loss. Inspired by my experiences, I aimed to provide a resource that fosters dialogue between families and children when dementia affects their lives.

Children need clear facts and relatable images. Books and music offer comfort, and my book includes lyrics to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” demonstrating that, ultimately, love transcends words, regardless of age.

No matter what we can no longer verbally express, the power of love still resides in all of us.

From my house to yours, may love be your anchor.

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, reasoning, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It is not a specific disease but a condition caused by underlying disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (the most common cause), vascular dementia, or other brain-related issues.

How easy is it to forget the things we promised to remember forever.

Sam Hawksmoor

Key symptoms of dementia include:

  • Memory loss, particularly of recent events.
  • Difficulty with problem-solving or planning.
  • Confusion about time, place, or people.
  • Communication challenges, such as finding the right words.
  • Changes in mood, behavior, or personality.

Dementia primarily affects older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging. Early diagnosis and care can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected and their families.

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2023 Award winner of Rise to Greater Heights and Iconic Impactors for women who teach, lead, and inspire. I have worked as a recreational director for 8 years in senior care centers and currently teach an online addictions program. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, youth, and seniors in various capacities. In my work in the recreation field with seniors, I found that we have a habit of asking questions regarding diagnoses that they cannot recall. Example: “Don’t you remember?” “Why did you do that?” One of my modalities led me to the training and teaching of Dr. Daniel Nightingale, a leading psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and medical director.

ALL LORI’S BOOKS CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON


Lori also contributes to the Our Forgotten Children’s book, which can be found here.

https://www.echoofyes.com

lori@echoofyes.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorichenger

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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Senior’s anthology and help to bring this book into awareness.

MH24-49. Dave Tarnowski, Disappointing Affirmations

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Dave Tarnawski, on air from December 3rd

 Dave Tarnowski, author of Disappointing Affirmations, which is based on his popular Instagram account? “It’s OK to not be OK” is the message of the Disappointing Affirmations book, based on Dave Tarnowski’s wildly popular Instagram (@disappointingaffirmations, 2 million followers). Known for pairing peaceful nature photos with sayings that are amusingly self-critical, encouraging, disillusioned, or all three at once, Tarnowski points to feelings often unacknowledged or hidden, and spotlights them with humor, wit, and empathy. Tarnowski’s willingness to approach depression and failure with humor and pragmatism has won millions of enthusiastic fans who bristle at the culture of relentless toxic positivity. Failure may be an option, but that’s okay. As a bonus, the book’s jacket unfolds into a poster bearing a message especially popular with his fans: “Have a panic attack. You’re earned it.”

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Here’s a recent article about the book: HERE

Dave Tarnowski is the author of about a dozen unfinished novels. He turned to memes when he finally gave up his dreams of being a writer of anything longer than a few sentences. He lives in New York City with his neuroses.

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 https://linktr.ee/davetarnowski

Disappointing Affirmations 

https://www.instagram.com/disappointingaffirmations

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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.

 MH24-49.  MH24-49. Gwydhar Gebien, “Enfant Terrible”

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy with Gwydhar Gebien, on air from December 3rd

Gwydhar (Gwed-ruh) Gambien, author of the new energized, character-driven book series, Enfant Terrible,which has been compared to a cross between Shameless and Californication. Diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and ASD being on the ADHD,spectrum, Gwydhar can talk about how she transfers her energies and wandering mind into her art and writing.

Enfant Terrible, a work of rollercoaster literary fiction that took 15 years to complete, got its name after an expression that is normally used to describe a person known for shocking remarks or outrageous behavior, which is appropriate because the story’s main character, Damen Warner, is the front man for a metalcore band.

In this interview, Gwydhar talks about:
Writing about an anti-hero comes with unique challenges, especially when exploring themes like seeking career redemption, mending a broken family, struggling with belonging, and yearning for the unattainable. These narratives often resonate with the allure of rock stars—figures we admire for their brilliance yet see as deeply flawed. Through this lens, Gwydhar draws parallels to her own journey of understanding rejection, pursuing creative dreams, and navigating self-discovery. Diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and being on the ASD spectrum, she channels her energies and wandering mind into her art and writing, turning personal struggles into a source of inspiration.

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Gwydhar may have a hard-to-pronounce name (Gwed-ruh, meaning girl with the red hair) and a book title equally as challenging to say (Ahn-fahnt-the-ree-bleh, which is French), but all of her books present a clear message with a witty voice, sharp observations, and more than a few human confessions. It is an intense, emotional journey, with elements of romance, subversive humor, and insightful commentary on the world of rock star train wrecks seeking redemption and renewal.

Gwydhar Gebien is a writer, artist, and award-winning filmmaker; originally from Chicago now transplanted in Los Angeles in pursuit of a career in film production. She is still *pretty sure* her subversive sense of humor would do well in a television writers’ room.

With a background in theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University (BFA in Fine Arts) and a Master’s Degree in film production from University of Southern California, she has worked for Paramount Animation as a production assistant and a production coordinator at Skydance Animation. She is putting her training to good use at Warner Brothers Animation on adult content that she is not currently at liberty to discuss.

Gwydhar began working at a commercial art studio as a sales representative. Still committed to pursuing filmmaking, she started a small production company called Blue Damen Pictures to make short films on nights and weekends. She has produced five short films, one mumblecore feature and won a Best Feature award for Dark Before Dawn and Best Experimental Short for Persephone.

An eldritch creature of introverted disposition, Gwydhar, lives a quiet life in a pink house with her husband, her cat and a minivan, but can occasionally be coaxed out into the open with music, snacks, or a single-malt whisky. She enjoys attending Renaissance Faires, as well as gardening and making miniatures. Diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and being on the ASD spectrum, Gwydhar transfers her energies and wandering mind into her art and writing.

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GWYDHAR IN ALSO IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY, COME SEE HER LATEST PRODUCT

SPELL BOUND

 www.gwydhar.com

https://www.facebook.com

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BE OUR GUEST AND SHARE THE WISDOM

All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.