In her compelling TEDx talk, “How a selfie changed my life,” Kat Mahale shares a transformative journey sparked by a single image. Initially, a selfie intended for social media becomes a profound catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth. Kat reflects on her struggles with self-esteem and body image, highlighting how societal pressures shaped her perception of beauty.
Through her candid storytelling, she reveals how embracing vulnerability allowed her to connect authentically with her audience, leading to unexpected support and empowerment. Kat’s experience resonates with many, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the courage to share one’s truth. By redefining the narrative around selfies from mere vanity to a tool for empowerment, she inspires viewers to see beyond the surface and embrace their authentic selves. This heartfelt message encourages individuals to reclaim their stories and find strength in their uniqueness, proving that sometimes, a simple act can lead to profound change.
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NOTE FROM TED: While some viewers may find this helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk as a substitute for mental health advice. This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and understanding of personal growth and healing. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf
Kat’s talk is a moving exploration of how a single photo became a gateway into healing and self‑discovery. She shares how a selfie she took opened a door to her inner world and helped her reconnect with parts of herself that had been buried under grief, stress, or disconnection. Kat is a portrait and self-portrait photographer, curator, mentor, author, and speaker based near London. Through therapeutic photography and her Felt Sense methodologies, she creates safe, embodied spaces for people to connect more deeply with themselves.
She’s trained in the Look Again mindful photography method, qualified in Therapeutic Photography at Robert Gordon University, and is currently studying with the British Focusing Association.
Her work includes person-centred photography (Face to Face® and Freedom Shoots), Feltful Photography (her mindful approach), and Felt Photographic—an online gallery guided by the Felt Sense. She also mentors and delivers corporate workshops, using the Felt Sense to enhance leadership qualities like intuition, emotional intelligence, and creativity.
After healing from long-term depression through a self-portrait in 2018, Kat now helps others access their Felt Sense for mental wellbeing.
A regular speaker at The Photography Show and contributor to the RPS Women in Photography, she was praised by Judy Weiser as “amazing and pioneering” and interviewed by Rankin for her innovative use of photography for good. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “How a selfie changed my life | Kat Mahale | TEDxGuildford” was uploaded on 08/08/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks