Episode 20 The Alchemy of Expression: Barbara Schmitt's Revolutionary Approach to Art, Psychedelics, and Mental Health

Next time on The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, we dive deep into the transformational intersection of art therapy and psychedelic science. Host Christian Ace Stettler, professor of social work at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and this week's intrepid student co-host, Mark Shimkus, will guide you on this journey of critically reflective reasoning that is sure to elevate our consciousnesses. Our special guest is Barbara Schmitt, an art therapist and mental health professional, with a Master's degree from The George Washington University. A true believer in the alchemistic power of creative expression, Barbara brings a unique perspective to our conversation, with her innovative company "FYI" as the cornerstone of our discussion. Barbara's "FYI" opens a new chapter in therapeutic communication, providing a tool for unique individual expression. Her work presents a captivating blend of creative detection, interpretation, and enhancement, all entwined in a story - a method that Barbara envisions as a potential force for expansive dialogue and healing in the mental health field. In our conversation, we will explore the current landscape of psychedelic science, discuss the balance between liberty and responsibility as seen through the eyes of Dr. Carl Hart, and share Barbara's insightful experiences from the recent MAPS conference. We'll also hear about the inception of Barbara's revolutionary "FYI," exploring how it intersects with the inspiring lines of the poem 'Invictus.' This episode promises to be a rich tapestry of transformative storytelling, threading together themes of social justice, mental health, advocacy, and personal growth. So, join us on this enlightening journey, as we further our mission to foster empathy, uphold social work values, and strive for social change. One story at a time, we aim to transform ourselves and the world around us Download the Callin app for iOS and Android to listen to this podcast live, call in, and more! Also available at callin.com