Featuring Professional Member: Roni Heung

1. What made you choose art therapy as your profession?

I chose to become an art therapist because I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to be an artist or a psychotherapist, so when I found out about the opportunity to combine my two passion into one, I said to myself “this is it, art therapy is the one.”

2. How much does your art therapy training program form your way of being an art therapist?

Very much so, I would say that the AT program I had gone through not only helped me to shape my therapist identity but also fostered deep personal and professional growth.

3. What is your practice theory in your practice?’

I’d say at this stage, my practice theory intergraded with person-centered, developmental and psychodynamic theoretic approaches.

4. What target group(s) do(se) you serve most?

As for now, since I am working in a mental health ngo, my target populations are mostly people who are affected by mental health related issues.

5. What materials do you use the most in your practice? Or What is your favorite materials to use in your practice?

I use different drawing and painting medium in my practice but I also like to bring in materials with a wide range of textures, such as fabrics, yarns, rocks or dry leaves, to keep art-making interesting.

6. What kinds of metaphor(s) or symbol(s) that you can use to describe art therapy? Please explain

 I think that art therapy is like a gentle stream of water which bares our burdens and replenishes our bodies and souls. The soothing sound of the water is like the voice of art therapy – calm and peaceful. On the other hand, the liveliness of the water symbolizes the creativity and strength of art therapy.

7. When do you join HKAAT? What is the reason for joining?

I joined HKAAT in April 2018 after I graduated in Canada. My reasons for joining are to connect with the professionals and explore any career opportunities in Hong Kong.

I am glad that I joined, as members of HKAAT are very friendly and are passionate about art therapy; their support is helpful and positive.

8. What do you think of the development and prospect of art therapy in Hong Kong?

I believe that AT is more popular nowadays. The public seems to be more familiar with art therapy and is showing more acceptance and interests in it. However, I think there are still questions or confusions on what we do in art therapy.

9. What do you think HKAAT` can offer to support or to further develop the field of art therapy in Hong Kong?

  I believe peer support and connection is important in this profession, it helps to unite our therapists together and also helps to exchange experiences, thoughts, and new ideas. I look forward to future opportunities learning from other therapists and supporting each other’s growth.

10. What do you think you can offer to develop the growth of art therapy in Hong Kong?

What I think I can offer is my passion to art therapy - keep doing it right; keep spreading it around; keep talking about it; keep learning; keep enjoying it and of course, keep supporting other art therapists and HKAAT.