About

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy. With the support of an art therapist, clients engage in creative art-making to achieve jointly set therapeutic goals (such as processing trauma, regulating emotions, or reducing stress).

Art-making serves as a non-verbal means of communication. It helps externalize inner thoughts and feelings that are difficult to put into words, expressing them through metaphor, form, and imagery. Common media include drawing, crafts, clay, model-making, doodling, photography, and collage. The therapist also engages the client in dialogue, using observation and reflection on both the creative process and the finished work to foster greater self-understanding.

History and Development of Art Therapy

The roots of art therapy can be traced back to the 1930s. In the 1960s, professional associations for art therapists were established in both the United Kingdom and the United States, leading to the development of systematic training programs and registration systems. Research conducted by various universities has demonstrated that art therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy. In the 2000s, the Hong Kong Art Therapy Association was founded to promote the practice; however, Hong Kong currently has no formal registration or licensing system for art therapists.

Who Art Therapy Is For and Where It Is Used

Art therapy is suitable for anyone who wishes to improve their psychological well-being, regardless of age. No prior artistic experience is required. Sessions can be conducted one-to-one or in groups.

It is commonly used with people experiencing depression, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, cancer patients, older adults, caregivers, individuals on the autism spectrum, and children with various special educational needs. Typical settings include schools, residential care homes for the elderly, community centres, hospitals, and other social service organisations.

Meet the team

Charlie Chan

• Registered Art Therapist, Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creatives Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)
• Professional Member and Executive Committee, Hong Kong Association of Art Therapists
• Master in Art Therapy, LASALLE College of the Arts
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Life, Oxford Mindfulness Foundation
• Trauma Focused Emotional Freedom Technique Training Level 1 and 2, EFTi
• EFTi Certified Practitioner

Charlie obtained a Master’s degree in Art Therapy in Singapore and is a registered art therapist with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA). Her therapeutic approach is grounded in humanistic and psychodynamic principles, integrated with elements of mindfulness. She has previously worked in elderly care homes supporting rehabilitation clients and individuals with dementia. In recent years, she has focused on providing support to children, adolescents and their families facing special educational needs (SEN), traumatic experiences and emotional difficulties.

In 2022, she founded Souly Arts Studio and established an art space in Shek Mun. The studio offers regular art programmes and is dedicated to creating an autonomous, safe and positive creative environment for children with SEN, emotional challenges and high sensitivity. Souly Arts Studio also collaborates with various social service organisations, schools and private companies to deliver art workshops and talks centred on stress relief and connection, promoting art therapy and mental well-being.

Souly Arts Studio is formed by a multidisciplinary team that includes registered art therapists, registered social workers, registered counsellors and registered teachers. Together, we are committed to connecting hearts through art and accompanying growth through creativity.