According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

A simple way to understand art therapy is that it is a professional field that combines art and psychotherapy in order to support one’s mental wellness and overall well-being.

Art therapy is a quite new profession in Viet Nam. In Da Nang, many people have also known about this treatment.

After graduating from the Master's program in Art Therapy at School of Visual Arts (New York, USA), Ms. Nguyen Huong Linh, the founder of MAI:tri - Art Therapy and Mental Health Improvement Services, chose Da Nang as the place to start her journey in Viet Nam.

According to Ms. Linh, an art therapist may use a variety of art methods, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage with clients ranging from young children to older adults. Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively, focusing on positive things and loving themselves more.

“Coming to Da Nang this time, Linh and the LGBT community in Da Nang co-organised an experience session with the desire to create a ‘safe space’ for attendees. You come and make arts together, and focus on ‘personal expression’. From that, art therapists will act as intermediaries to identify, share and give advice” Ms. Linh shared.

Ms. Nguyen Huong Linh is one of three people in Viet Nam to receive a full Fulbright scholarship for a Master's program in Art Therapy (MPS Art Therapy) at the School of Visual Arts in New York, the USA.

Through art creation activities, attendees can express their emotions

Creating a 'safe space' is a premise for a group to share the same difficulties in life.

'Personal expression' will be reflected in each person's work.

Reporting by QUOC CUONG - Translating by M.DUNG