My Journey to Art Therapy

Like many, COVID-19 changed the course of my life, grounding me and keeping me from traveling. But beyond that, it also sparked some monumental life changes that set me on a path I could have never anticipated.

In 2018, I moved to Shanghai, where I stumbled upon something truly transformative—art therapy. Art has always been a constant in my life. It’s been my anchor, especially during personal experiences of grief, trauma, and anxiety. I’ve always turned to art—whether through painting, drawing, or journaling—to process my emotions and stay grounded during tough times. What I didn’t realize then was that art could be so much more than just a form of expression. It can serve as a bridge to connect with our deepest emotions, heal old wounds, and bring clarity when life feels overwhelming.

My own experiences with PTSD, anxiety, and depression taught me the profound impact creative expression can have. Art became my tool for healing, but it wasn’t until I discovered art therapy that I realized it was also a profession—a field where healing and creativity intersect in a way that aligned deeply with everything I believed. I knew from that moment that I wanted to help others discover the same transformative power art had brought into my life.

By 2020, I knew I had to dedicate my career to this field, and so I began my journey into art therapy. My personal experience with recovery through art deepened my understanding of healing, and it’s this understanding that drives my passion to help others on their own paths to recovery.

In 2022, I took another leap and relocated to Canada. It was there I completed my Art Therapy diploma at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute—a life-changing experience that merged my lifelong love of art with my commitment to healing. During my practicum, I had the honor of working with women and children, witnessing firsthand how art helps people navigate trauma, heal, and communicate in ways that words often can’t.

Now, I’m embarking on yet another leap—this time, into entrepreneurship with my own online therapeutic art therapy business, Healing Art Journey.

I’m incredibly excited about this next chapter and can’t wait to connect with people who are ready to explore the transformative power of creativity and healing.