Ellie Loehner: Crafting Hope and Healing Through Art
The arts are priority not just from a healing perspective, because it allows for self-expression in a way that's different than sitting in front of a therapist and encouraging your feelings, which of course I'm not integrating that.
Imagine finding a lifeline in the unlikeliest of places—yarn. That's exactly what happened to Ellie Loehner after a near-fatal car crash in 2018. In this heartwarming episode of 'The Lion's Pen', host Samantha Simons sits down with Ellie, a mental health professional and the creative mind behind Alive with Purpose Craft. They dive into the deeply personal journey of recovery and how art can be a beacon of hope and resilience.
Ellie shares her passion for fiber arts, which began with simple crocheting and blossomed into a yarn dyeing business. Her work not only offers specialty yarns but also financially supports mental health causes in Minnesota. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including SAMHSA's 8 Dimensions of Wellness, the complexities of mental health care, and the vital role of community art classes.
You'll hear about the importance of kindness and empathy in making the world a better place, as well as the power of self-efficacy. Ellie and Samantha also touch on how external factors and access to resources can impact mental health, debunking the myth that recovery is just a matter of changing one's perspective. This episode isn't just about listening; it's about feeling inspired to embrace art as a tool for healing.
Whether you're an artist, someone on a recovery journey, or simply curious about the intersection of creativity and mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to discover how something as simple as yarn can transform lives.