Suwen
Art Therapist, AThR
Psychodynamic Framework, Person-centred Approach
My Journey
My journey as an art therapist began with a personal connection to art as a powerful tool for expression, discovery, and healing. Creative expression—whether through art, writing, or music—has always been my refuge. During a formative period spent living across multiple countries, I used oil painting to process personal and spiritual challenges, multicultural encounters, and the harsh realities of poverty. This journey culminated in my first solo art exhibition, which profoundly transformed my understanding of art’s ability to reflect, heal and empower.
During my time with an NGO supporting migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed the remarkable strength and focus that creative expression can inspire. One powerful experience involved journeying with a migrant worker who, despite the challenges of isolation and uncertainty, found solace and renewed confidence through drawing. Later on, a personal breakthrough in counselling using a projective drawing technique further deepened my understanding of art’s potential; it revealed unconscious beliefs and values in conflict with my perceived thoughts, bringing clarity and inner peace. These experiences profoundly reinforced the transformative power of art to cultivate self-awareness, productive focus, empowerment, profound insights, and deep healing, even in the most challenging of contexts.
Inspired by Edward Hopper’s words, “If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint”, I now channel over 20 years of artistic experience into creating safe spaces for reflection, discovery, and healing through art therapy, aiming to support others as profoundly it has supported me.
Professional Qualifications
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Registered art therapist with the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).
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Masters in Art Therapy from LASALLE College of the Arts (validated by Goldsmiths College, University of London).
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Over 1,000 hours of practice in medical, educational, and community settings across Singapore and Malaysia.
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Youngest Life member of Singapore Art Society
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BA (Hons) Fine arts, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London
Key Experiences:
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Facilitated individual and group art therapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
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Provided tailored art therapy interventions for patients with medical conditions, high-risk pregnancies, and developmental disorders.
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Designed and led workshops for mental health professionals, fostering creativity and self-care.
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Delivered art therapy for migrant workers, healthcare workers, refugee students and underserved communities.
MA Art Therapy, AThR
My Approach
Guided by a psychodynamic framework and a person-centred approach, I integrate conventional therapeutic methods with art-making in our sessions. No art skills or interest are required to benefit from art therapy.
This unique approach may be able to provide insights beyond those gained through verbal therapy alone. Through creative expression, guidance and sharing in a safe space we will explore experiences that shape your present realities, unraveling the roots of your current challenges. This process can transform your understanding and responses to life's difficulties, empowering your journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth.
My primary goal is to create a nurturing and empathetic environment where you feel safe to explore and grow using creative and verbal expression. I hope to support you in developing sustainable personal growth, fostering healthier relationships, and building effective coping mechanisms.
Our therapeutic journey begins by understanding what brings you here, clarifying your goals, and should you choose to continue your therapy journey with me, crafting a tailored plan for our sessions together that we will refine as we progress, ensuring it remains aligned with your evolving needs and goals.
Join me to relieve emotional burdens, find a space for reflection, and uncover new insights about yourself and others.
Many clients experience greater self-awareness, a deeper understanding of their transitions, an increased sense of belonging, and improved coping skills.
Getting Help
Recognising the need for therapy can be difficult, but certain signs may indicate it's time to seek professional support. These include:
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Persistent Emotional Distress: Experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness, anger, or hopelessness that are difficult to manage.
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Social Withdrawal or Overdependence: Avoiding social interactions, feeling isolated, or experiencing a strong urge to avoid being alone or reflecting on personal challenges.
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Changes in Sleep or Appetite: Significant disruptions in sleeping or eating patterns.
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Decline in Daily Functioning: Facing challenges at work or school, such as reduced productivity, lack of motivation or difficulty concentrating.
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Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Relying on substances like alcohol or drugs or endless scrolling on social media to navigate daily life.
If traditional counselling or therapy hasn’t fully addressed your concerns, it may be time to consider art therapy. Creative expression has a unique ability to uncover what we may unconsciously bury, providing fresh insights and pathways for healing.
Areas of Expertise
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Abuse
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Anxiety
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Complex Trauma
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Depression
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Developmental challenges
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Displaced individuals
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Emotional Dysregulation
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Interpersonal challenges
(family, friends, colleagues, community)
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Medical conditions
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Perinatal challenges
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Significant life transitions
1.
Individual Art
Psychotherapy
Sessions are tailored to your unique needs and goals, whether you are navigating challenges, seeking clarity, or fostering personal growth.
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Duration: Full sessions typically last 60–75 minutes.
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Format: I currently offer online sessions, with in-person house calls available on a case-by-case basis (art materials will be provided for these).
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Exploratory Session: We begin with a 30-minute session to better understand your needs and goals, it will help us determine whether to move forward with regular sessions.
2.
Group Art
Therapy
A creative and collaborative space for 3 to 25 participants to explore shared themes and personal growth. With an option to be conducted with other mental health professionals to enhance the experience, sessions range from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours and can focus on specific topics such as:
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Thematic Series: Tailored to participant needs, addressing topics like stress management and self-care.
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Introductory Workshops: One-off sessions ideal for exploring Art therapy's potential.
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Professional Training: Educational Art therapy workshops for mental health professionals, including presentation and hands-on exercises.
Previous Workshops Include:
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Self-care and stress management for healthcare professionals.
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Outdoor art therapy for students
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Introduction to art therapy and Self-Reflective Practice for trainee psychologists and counsellors.
3.
Open Studio Sessions
An Open Studio session is a low-barrier, inclusive space designed to foster stress relief, self-discovery, and creative expression in a non-intimidating and supportive environment. It offers a structured yet flexible opportunity to step away from daily pressures and engage in therapeutic art-making.
Guided by the art therapist, participants may choose to work independently or seek guidance, ensuring the experience is adaptable to individual preferences.
The studio encourages innovation and mindfulness promoting overall mental well-being, making it a valuable addition to workplace or community wellness initiatives.
It can be conducted outdoor or indoors and usually runs for 3 hours.
My fees
Commitment to Mental Health Accessibility
I believe in making mental health support accessible especially those from overlooked and underprivileged communities. To honour this commitment, I offer sliding scale fees based on individual financial circumstances.
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For Individual Clients Residing in Malaysia: Sessions are charged between RM150–350.
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For Individual Clients Overseas: Sessions are charged between SGD80–170 (or the equivalent in your local currency).
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Exploratory Session: A mandatory 30-minute introductory session, charged at RM90 or SGD30, is required before starting full sessions. This allows me to assess your needs and determine if art therapy is the right fit for you.
This flexible pricing ensures that therapy remains accessible while supporting the sustainability of my practice.
Beyond my private practice, I volunteer to expand access to mental health services. A portion of the fees supports my efforts to promote and deliver art therapy and mental health support in diverse local and international contexts.
If you have financial constraints or would like to discuss a fee adjustment, please feel free to reach out.