Creating new sensory based mental images to fortify the mind & body

About

I’m Jac Callaghan, a visual practitioner based in Leeds, UK. I created Reindeer Moss as a synthesis of my knowledge and values across creative and therapeutic fields. I’m interested in how what we see and experience impacts our individual and collective human nervous systems and have a particular interest in the therapeutic value of photography.

I believe the images that we create and the words we share can make a difference. In my own work and in collaboration with others, I strive to put images and words together in ways that may provide a place of restoration.

  • Creative

    Creativity and specifically photography has been a part of my life for over twenty five years, encompassing an earlier period in independent commercial photography practice, time as an artist studio holder, periods as visiting lecturer and as creative course leader in an alternative curriculum setting. In 2007, I undertook a Masters in Photography at The University of The Arts, London, where my explorations around instinctive human behaviour in pattern making, continued to evolve around human physical and psychological encounter with nature.

    Therapeutic & Pastoral

    In 2011, my photography practice ran in the background whilst I undertook personal development and professional training in Psychotherapy and Counselling at The University of Leeds. I have thirteen years cumulative experience of conducting: one-to-one therapeutic sessions; specialist mental health mentoring; facilitative pastoral sessions; cultivating safe group environments; co-creating individual and safety plans; multi-disciplinary team working and liaising with external agencies. I have gained this experience via roles within: an alternative curriculum setting; university wellbeing departments, counselling services for young people/young adults and short-term government funded personal/social development programmes for young people in community and residential settings.

  • UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS, LONDON

    Master of Arts Photography

    UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS

    Postgraduate Diploma Psychotherapy & Counselling with Distinction

    Certificate Counselling Skills & Theory with Distinction

    Joint Honours Degree Media & French


  • Participatory Photography Facilitation PhotoVoice

    Introduction to Art Therapy BAAT

    SPELL Autism Training National Autistic Society

    Gender Identity & Health (trans and non-binary awareness) Leeds Recovery College

    Working with young people with challenging behaviour in the outdoors Jon Cree & Where the Fruit Is

    Trees & Wellbeing Conference Oxford Brookes University

    Honour Based Violence Karma Nirvana

    Suicide Prevention Summit Mental Health Academy

    Professional Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder- Counselling Certification Staff Skills Training

    Overcoming Anxiety & Panic Attacks OSMHN