True Image Collective
Our programs emphasize the journey from superficial social media validation to meaningful, lasting self-acceptance.
As a trained Body Esteem Educator, she is passionate about promoting positive body image and healthy behaviours in young people.
The True Image Collective is an initiative developed by Ania Harnden, a photographer and therapist with asocial work background spanning various fields. Ania brings a unique combination of therapeutic expertise and artistic vision to this program. As a trained Body Esteem Educator, she is passionate about promoting positive body image and healthy behaviours in young people. With a proven track record of running successful group therapy sessions that integrate photography, Ania has also showcased her artistic work in exhibitions across Europe and Australia.
Her approach emphasizes the trans-formative power of imagery and community, creating spaces where participants can experience meaningful personal growth.The True Image Collective is dedicated to helping people transform their relationship with body image and foster genuine connections in a world often dominated by filtered, idealized portrayals. Our clear goal is to create an inclusive, supportive community where self-acceptance and authentic interactions are celebrated. We believe that each person’s unique image and story add value to the collective, and through this experience, participants learn to embrace themselves and each other, just as they are.
Our programs emphasize the journey from superficial social media validation to meaningful, lasting self-acceptance. We use the power of classic black-and-white portrait photography to offer a tangible, memorable experience that inspires positive self-cognition.
Her approach emphasizes the trans-formative power of imagery and community, creating spaces where participants can experience meaningful personal growth.The True Image Collective is dedicated to helping people transform their relationship with body image and foster genuine connections in a world often dominated by filtered, idealized portrayals. Our clear goal is to create an inclusive, supportive community where self-acceptance and authentic interactions are celebrated. We believe that each person’s unique image and story add value to the collective, and through this experience, participants learn to embrace themselves and each other, just as they are.
Our programs emphasize the journey from superficial social media validation to meaningful, lasting self-acceptance. We use the power of classic black-and-white portrait photography to offer a tangible, memorable experience that inspires positive self-cognition.
Meet Ania
Her approach empowers clients to shift toward more positive self-cognition and healing.
Alongside leading the True Image Collective, Ania Harnden provides one-on-one therapeutic work as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker at M1 Psychology in Loganholme and Vision Psychology in Wishart, QLD. Ania is deeply passionate about helping clients process trauma and negative self-beliefs through EMDR therapy, as well as using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and various other therapeutic modalities tailored to meet individual needs. She also has extensive experience working with families, helping to transform parent-child relationships by fostering stronger connections and promoting emotional well-being. Her approach empowers clients to shift toward more positive self-cognition and healing. Ania’s dedication to combining creativity and therapeutic practice makes her work both meaningful and impactful, whether in individual sessions or group settings.
Programs
Young Perspectives Group
This 5-week group for teenagers is designed to support a shift from negative body image to a more positive sense of self. Participants engage in meaningful discussions, collaborate in pairs and small groups to exchange ideas and perspectives, and experience a trans-formative black-and-white portrait photo shoot. The classic black-and-white portraits are then shared with the group, providing an opportunity for peers to offer genuine, positive reflections on each individual’s unique presence.
This experience also allows teens to observe how others react to their comments in real time, highlighting the significant difference between offering feedback face-to-face versus posting a comment on social media.It provides valuable learning about online etiquette, emphasizing the importance of seeing the person behind the image or post. This, in turn,influences more mindful and empathetic online behaviour for both the commenter and the person receiving the feedback. Teens discover how interactions behind a keyboard differ from real-life experiences, fostering growth and awareness in how they engage both online and offline.
Throughout the program,participants learn essential communication skills to prevent and manage negative interactions, moving from superficial online exchanges to meaningful, real-world relationships. The Young Perspectives Group creates a safe space for young people to realize that they belong without needing to conform to societal ideals.
This experience also allows teens to observe how others react to their comments in real time, highlighting the significant difference between offering feedback face-to-face versus posting a comment on social media.It provides valuable learning about online etiquette, emphasizing the importance of seeing the person behind the image or post. This, in turn,influences more mindful and empathetic online behaviour for both the commenter and the person receiving the feedback. Teens discover how interactions behind a keyboard differ from real-life experiences, fostering growth and awareness in how they engage both online and offline.
Throughout the program,participants learn essential communication skills to prevent and manage negative interactions, moving from superficial online exchanges to meaningful, real-world relationships. The Young Perspectives Group creates a safe space for young people to realize that they belong without needing to conform to societal ideals.
Legacy Lens: A Caregiver-Child Experience
Legacy Lens is a unique 5-week program designed for primary caregivers—such as parents, grandparents, foster parents, step- parents. aunts, uncles, or any significant adult in a young person’s life.This group emphasizes the importance of modelling self-acceptance as adults to inspire younger generations. The sessions are structured to begin with a caregiver-only gathering, focusing on self-image, self-acceptance, and strategies for supporting their child’s body image journey.
Following this, the children or young people have their own session, where they explore the same themes in an age-appropriate and engaging way. The program culminates in a shared black-and-white portrait photo shoot, capturing the bond between caregivers and their children.These portraits then become a central part of a reflective session, where families witness and discuss the powerful impact of embracing their true selves and each other.
Legacy Lens aims to deepen connections within families, highlighting the importance of inter-generational support in building a healthier, more accepting self-image.
Following this, the children or young people have their own session, where they explore the same themes in an age-appropriate and engaging way. The program culminates in a shared black-and-white portrait photo shoot, capturing the bond between caregivers and their children.These portraits then become a central part of a reflective session, where families witness and discuss the powerful impact of embracing their true selves and each other.
Legacy Lens aims to deepen connections within families, highlighting the importance of inter-generational support in building a healthier, more accepting self-image.
Express your interest
We’re excited to share these programs with individuals and families looking to embrace self-acceptance and authentic connection. If this resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to Creative Connection to express your interest,and we’ll provide details about dates, costs, and how to participate early next year.
Email: hello@creativeconnection.au
Email: hello@creativeconnection.au