About · 關於

A practice rooted in
art, healing, and culture

I am a board-certified art therapist, artist, and founder working at the intersection of creative expression and clinical psychology.

Portrait of Stephy Hsu
Stephy Hsu · 徐一瑄

My work begins with the belief that art can offer a language for experiences that are difficult to put into words. Across clinical, artistic, and research settings, I have continued to learn how creative expression can support reflection, healing, and meaning-making.

I trained in fine arts, art therapy, and clinical psychology at Parsons, New York University, Teachers College, Columbia University, and Adler University, where I am currently pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. My work often explores the intersections of psychology, spirituality, culture, and art, including Chinese ink painting, calligraphy, automatic drawing, and symbolic expression.

Clinically, I am a board-certified art therapist and licensed creative arts therapist in New York. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and attentive to how culture, language, and lived experience shape each person's healing process.

As the founder of Soulverse 心球覺啟, I am working to bridge the gap in mental wellness and mental health through art, creativity, and culturally responsive tools for reflection and connection.

— CV.

Curriculum vitae

Educationacademic training

Psy.D, Clinical Psychology
Adler University, Vancouver, BC
MA, Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
Thesis: Projection as a Pathway to Self-Understanding — Exploring the Intersections of Psychology, Spirituality and Art
MA, Art Therapy
New York University, New York, NY
Thesis: Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy in Correctional Settings
BFA, Fine Arts
Parsons The New School, New York, NY
Minor in Psychology and Creative Entrepreneurship. Thesis: To what extent does automatic drawing have the power of healing and improve mental health in art therapy?

Licensure & Certificationscredentials

Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC #24-538)
Art Therapy Credentials Board, USA — Current
Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT #003071)
New York State Education Department — Current
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) — Level A Certificate
Practical Resources for Effective Postpartum Parenting Certificate
Columbia University Medical Center
Certified Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
Circle of Security International
Bright Beginning Certificate
Ackerman Institute for the Family
Personal Best Certificate
Ackerman Institute for the Family
Foundations in Health and Safety Certificate
Office of Children and Family Services
Emergency Preparedness Certificate
Office of Children and Family Services
Family Engagement Certificate
Office of Children and Family Services
Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Promoting Safe Sleeping Certificate
Office of Children and Family Services
Prevention and Identification of Brain Injuries, including Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) Certificate
Office of Children and Family Services
Supervision of Children Certificate
Office of Children and Family Services

Clinical Experiencepractice

Art Therapist / Master Social Worker
The Child Center of NY, New York, USA
Facilitated Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) art therapy groups for mothers experiencing postpartum depression and co-occurring psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, and substance use disorders, integrating art therapy, DBT, and IPT to foster emotional regulation, insight, and maternal identity reconstruction in a trauma-informed group setting. Provided individual, family, and couples art therapy for women aged 19–44 with perinatal and postpartum depression, integrating DBT, REBT, IPT, and psychoeducational approaches in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive framework. Facilitated bilingual (Mandarin/English) groups including Art Therapy, Circle of Security, Bright Beginnings, Personal Best, and psychoeducation focused on emotional regulation, attachment, and parenting skills. Conducted intake interviews, comprehensive diagnostic assessments, and treatment planning for mothers, infants, and families. Provided case management and advocacy support, helping mothers access housing, SNAP, childcare, and government benefits. Developed and led staff art therapy and self-care workshops fostering resilience, creative reflection, and team cohesion. Organized client art exhibitions before discharge to celebrate therapeutic progress and creative growth.
Art Therapist — Part-time (Remote)
Heal You 聊心茶室, Taipei, Taiwan
Provide mental health and art therapy services to Mandarin-speaking clients across diverse age groups and emotional needs. Conduct intake assessments and clinical interviews to gather psychological, familial, and cultural information for diagnostic understanding. Facilitate individual and family art therapy sessions using IPT, REBT, DBT, psychoeducation, and client-centered techniques. Support clients' emotional regulation, trauma processing, and self-expression through the therapeutic use of art materials and symbolism.
Art Therapist — Part-time
Utopia, New York, USA
Organized and led art-as-therapy workshops for the general public, developing creative themes responsive to participants' emotional needs and personal interests. Facilitated art therapy sessions during gallery exhibitions, supporting visitors' emotional reflection and connection to exhibited works through guided creative processes. Collaborated with the design and curation team to plan art events that merge artistic expression with mental health awareness. Created marketing and social media materials promoting community engagement, public education, and accessibility of art therapy programming.

Practicum Experiencetraining placements

Social Justice Practicum Student / Program Outreach Assistant
BC Bereavement Hotline, Vancouver, Canada
Supporting the implementation and evaluation of grief support initiatives serving diverse communities across British Columbia. Assisting the Executive Director and Project Manager in coordinating virtual and in-person grief education programs and community outreach events. Contributing to program development and internal process improvement, including CRM management, volunteer coordination, and resource creation. Researching best practices in grief support and nonprofit operations. Applying trauma-informed and culturally sensitive communication with individuals experiencing grief and loss. Supporting Truth and Reconciliation initiatives by promoting Indigenous perspectives in grief education and outreach.
Art Therapy Intern
The Child Center of NY, New York, USA
Facilitated evidence-based art therapy and psychotherapy groups using DBT-, REBT-, and IPT-informed interventions to enhance emotional regulation, self-expression, and interpersonal awareness. Co-facilitated IOP art therapy groups for mothers with postpartum depression and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Conducted individual and family art therapy sessions for children referred from schools, addressing behavioral and emotional challenges and strengthening family communication. Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team (psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists) to deliver trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. Maintained comprehensive clinical documentation including progress notes, treatment plans, and outcome tracking.
Art Therapy Intern
Riker's Island Correctional Facility, New York, USA
Provided individual and group art therapy to incarcerated women, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the Mental Health (MI) and PACE units for intensive psychiatric treatment. Worked with clients diagnosed with personality disorders, intellectual disabilities, psychosis-spectrum disorders, bipolar I and II, major depressive and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and paraphilic disorders. Facilitated art-based exploration of trauma, identity, and self-expression to promote emotional regulation, psychological resilience, and insight in a secure environment. Collaborated closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and correctional officers to integrate art therapy goals into interdisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation plans. Participated in weekly multidisciplinary treatment meetings, contributing observations to inform case formulation, progress evaluation, and discharge planning.
Art Therapy Intern
Rubin Museum: Healing Through Art, New York, USA
Facilitated art therapy groups within the Healing Through Art exhibition, promoting emotional well-being, self-expression, and reflection through creative engagement. Designed and implemented art-based interventions for diverse visitors — children, adults, and seniors — tailored to varying emotional and cognitive readiness. Collaborated with museum staff and volunteers to integrate therapeutic activities into exhibition programming. Provided psychoeducation on the psychological benefits of creativity and artmaking.
Art Therapy Intern
Parrish of San Marco Vecchio, Florence, Italy
Facilitated group art therapy sessions for children ages 5–12, fostering emotional expression, confidence-building, and social development. Designed and implemented developmentally appropriate interventions tailored to each child's individual needs, strengths, and interests. Collaborated with parents and church staff to address emotional and behavioral challenges, providing psychoeducation on the therapeutic benefits of artmaking. Organized a culminating art exhibition celebrating participants' creative achievements and therapeutic journeys.

Researchscholarly work

Graduate Research Assistant
Mount Sinai Hospital Suicide Prevention Research Lab — Dr. Igor Galynker
Supported suicide intervention research aimed at identifying and preventing suicidal behaviors in high-risk populations. Conducted structured interviews and assessments under supervision; contributed to data collection for ongoing studies. Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team investigating the Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS) and the Narrative-Crisis Model of Suicide. Assisted in compiling reports, analyzing findings, and preparing materials for conferences and academic publications.
Graduate Research Assistant
BOBA Project — Developmental Risk and Cultural Resilience Lab, Brigham and Women's Hospital · Harvard Medical School · NIMH
Directed by Dr. Cindy Liu and Dr. Tiffany Yip. Engaged in recruitment and outreach for a 5-year longitudinal study on racial discrimination, racial socialization, and mental health among Chinese American adolescents. Conducted community-based research efforts including on-site recruitment in NYC Chinatown and Flushing, fostering trust with participants and community organizations. Contributed to project meetings, data management, and report preparation, providing bilingual support to bridge language and cultural nuances.

Leadership & Foundingbuilding & leading

Founder & CEO — Soulverse 心球覺啟
Asia & North America (Remote)
Founded and lead an early-stage digital mental wellness platform that uses art-making, emotional reflection, and community engagement to promote mental health awareness and access. Develop the platform's vision, product concept, user experience, and community-based model — integrating art therapy, psychology, creativity, spirituality, and culturally responsive mental health education. Coordinate with interdisciplinary collaborators (designers, developers, therapists, nonprofit partners, advisors). Conduct user research and market exploration to understand emotional wellness needs, especially among Asian and Asian diasporic communities where stigma and access barriers may limit help-seeking. Design art-based prompts, emotional check-in systems, reflective tools, and community engagement features. Explore ethical and culturally sensitive uses of technology to expand access to mental health education while preserving human creativity, reflection, and connection.
Public Relations & Social Media Chair — Part-time (Remote)
New York Art Therapy Association (NYATA)
Lead NYATA's public communications strategy, managing social media platforms to amplify the visibility of art therapy and the association's mission. Create and schedule engaging, educational, and visually compelling content to promote events, workshops, and professional initiatives. Design and distribute digital newsletters, promotional materials, and website updates. Collaborate with board members, artists, and clinicians to develop inclusive messaging reflecting the diversity of the art therapy community. Cultivate relationships with partner organizations, media outlets, and stakeholders to strengthen public engagement and advocacy.
Founder — H-Bridge Chinese Young Artists Club
New York, USA
Founded a student-led organization connecting Chinese art students across NYC through portfolio sharing, exhibitions, and career development. Organized exhibitions, networking events, and workshops offering platforms for emerging artists to showcase work and expand professional networks. Developed targeted outreach and marketing campaigns using social media and print materials to build membership and public engagement. Established and maintained partnerships with art schools, galleries, and organizations. Led a team of volunteers, fostering collaboration and strategic planning.
Founder — Hope
New York, USA
Founded a grassroots social awareness group using public art and storytelling to spotlight homelessness and reduce stigma. Designed and led art-based advocacy campaigns inviting community participation and fostering public dialogue. Conducted interviews with unhoused individuals to share their voices and perspectives through creative platforms. Organized donation drives collecting food, clothing, and hygiene supplies for local shelters. Mobilized volunteers and community members to support awareness, fundraising, and compassionate engagement.
Culture Advisor — Part-time (Remote)
Urantia Foundation, Chicago, USA
Translated books, posters, and digital content into Mandarin to expand the foundation's reach in Taiwanese and Chinese communities. Designed and facilitated cultural workshops and events highlighting Taiwanese and Chinese traditions and perspectives. Built partnerships and facilitated cross-cultural dialogue to support the foundation's global mission and community engagement.
Lunar New Year and Cultural Fair Event Planner
Organized and executed large-scale cultural events celebrating Lunar New Year, overseeing logistics, budgeting, and day-of coordination. Developed outreach strategies via social media, flyers, and community partnerships to promote events to diverse audiences. Designed immersive event spaces and cultural displays blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary elements.
Cultural Ambassador — China Taiwan ACFTC Cultural Exchange
China
Represented Taiwan in a cross-strait cultural exchange program promoting mutual understanding and collaboration. Participated in cultural events, educational workshops, and performances to promote Taiwanese heritage. Engaged with Chinese media and government officials to support public diplomacy. Received media coverage highlighting the role of youth in cultural diplomacy.

Teaching & Workshopseducation & outreach

Teacher — Part-time (Remote)
Yunnan Arts University, Yunnan, China
Led a series of free online art therapy info sessions for university students interested in the field. Adapted content to various experience levels, fostering accessibility and engagement across disciplines. Promoted emotional exploration and cultural connection through art-based discussions and creative reflection.
Art Therapist — Part-time (Remote)
Vagus, Yunnan, China
Facilitated online art-as-therapy workshops and public lectures to promote creative healing practices in Mainland China. Designed educational materials and developed curriculum introducing key art therapy concepts to the general public.
Art Therapist — Part-time (Remote)
China International Art Therapy Prospective Forum 中國國際藝術治療前瞻論壇, China
Conducts online art-as-therapy workshops, public lectures, and curriculum development to promote understanding of art therapy in China. Shares curated resources — research articles, books, case studies — with online community members to deepen their knowledge.
Study Abroad Tutor — Part-time (Remote)
Yiji Episode 壹集藝術留學, Beijing, China
Delivered online lectures and Q&A sessions on art therapy graduate programs abroad, including portfolio and application guidance. Created personalized study plans and curricula tailored to each student's academic goals and artistic background. Supported students throughout the application process.
Study Abroad Tutor — Part-time (Remote)
Honshi Art Study Abroad 弘時藝術留學, Beijing, China
Delivered online lectures and Q&A sessions on art therapy graduate programs abroad, including portfolio and application guidance. Created personalized study plans tailored to each student's academic goals and artistic background. Supported students throughout the application process, fostering motivation and confidence.
Co-Lead — Art for Wellness
New York University, New York, USA
Co-led art therapy groups for NYU students and community members with chronic illnesses (e.g., respiratory conditions, Parkinson's disease). Facilitated art-making sessions supporting stress relief, emotional expression, and social connection. Collaborated with the Program Director on trauma-informed, client-centered group activities. Introduced participants to the foundations of art therapy and its applications for mental health and holistic wellness.

Creative & Community Rolesdesign & service

Secretary
Caroline Hu Fashion Studio, New York, USA
Provided comprehensive administrative and organizational support to fashion designer Caroline Hu, including managing her calendar, coordinating travel, and handling communications. Supported preparations for London Fashion Week by organizing logistics, overseeing material readiness, and assisting with backstage coordination. Maintained communication with international clients and vendors. Conducted market and trend research to inform design direction and studio planning.
Graphic Designer
The Artists Forum, New York, USA
Designed digital and print materials including promotional flyers, social media graphics, and web assets. Assisted with photo retouching, layout design, and proofreading for visual campaigns. Applied Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) to support diverse creative projects.
Volunteer
Mighty Mutts, New York, USA
Promoted animal welfare and fundraising during community outreach events in Union Square. Educated the public on animal rescue, adoption, and volunteer opportunities. Collaborated with fellow volunteers and staff to support event logistics and shelter operations.
Contributing Artist — Washington Square News
New York University, New York, USA
Published original artwork in NYU's campus newspaper, demonstrating visual storytelling and design skills. Collaborated with editorial staff to deliver high-quality visual content. Contributed to NYU's creative community through art reflecting cultural identity and personal expression.

Media & Speakingpresentations & workshops

Guest Speaker — Introduction to Psychology Field
NYU Mood Psychology, New York
Introduction to Music Therapy — Public Lecture
Online
Journey Through the Darkness — International Online Art Therapy Workshop
Online
Art × Drama Healing Workshop (Art Therapy × Drama Therapy)
UTOPIA
In-Person Art Therapy Workshop
New York, USA
In-Person Art Therapy Workshop
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Introductory Art Therapy Lecture & Workshop
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Confucius Institute, Kunming Branch, China
3-Day In-Person Art Therapy Workshop
Yunnan Kunming, China
Embracing Change and Uncertainty — Art as Therapy Workshop
Not Yet Art
Impact and Sustainability — Art as Therapy Workshop
GAIC, New York
How to Become an Art Therapist
VAGUS, China
Ethics and Morals in Art Therapy
VAGUS, China
Art Therapy Intervention in Correctional Settings
China International Arts Therapy Prospective Forum
Art Exhibition Panel Discussion — AI and Technology
Utopia, New York
Art Therapy in a Correctional Setting
Sino Vision, New York Lounge — YouTube
Art Therapy Introduction — Healing Through Art
VAGUS, China
Art Therapy Study Abroad
EPISODE, China
Art Therapy Intervention in Correctional Settings
VAGUS, China

Magazine Publicationswriting

Viewing the World through 'Art Creation' in Correctional Institutions
Common Wealth Magazine — crossing.cw.com.tw/article/18599
What Can 'Art Creation' Really Bring to Us? — Starting from My Childhood Healing Journey Through Painting
Common Wealth Magazine — crossing.cw.com.tw/article/18559

Exhibitionsshown work

How Carbon Is Forgotten — Shang Art Museum, Hangzhou, China, 2025
Art Affect — NYU Barney Building, 2023
FATA Organa Art Exhibition — New York, 2022
Liminality Visual Art Exhibition — Wukong Media, New York & Los Angeles, Apr–Jun 2022
BFA Fine Arts Exhibition — Parsons SJDC Window Gallery, New York, May 2020
Systems Unfolding — Parsons The New School, New York, Dec 2019
Small Work Exhibition — Limner Gallery, New York, Oct 2019
Reveal — Personal Exhibition, EF International High School, New York, Apr 2017

Awardsrecognition

Gold Key Award — Scholastic Art Awards (Surrealism), 2017
Silver Key Award — Scholastic Art Awards (Comics), 2017
Portfolio Competition, Second Place — Parsons The New School, 2017
Art Student of the Year — EF International High School, New York, 2017
Art Student of the Year — EF International High School, New York, 2016

Training & Professional Developmentcontinuing education

Postpartum Depression Prevention — Elizabeth Werner, Ph.D., Columbia University Medical Center (Nov 2023)
Personal Best — Martha E. Edward, Ph.D., Ackerman Institute (Nov 2023)
Clinical Interviewing, Assessment, and Diagnosis — Diane Valente, TCCNY (Oct 2023)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification Training — Lane Pederson, PsyD, LP, C-DBT (Sep 2023)
Anxiety Summit: Integrating CBT and Exposure & Response Prevention for GAD, Panic Disorder, OCD, Social Anxiety, & Phobias — Kimberly Morrow & Elizabeth DuPont Spencer (Sep 2023)
Bright Beginning — Martha E. Edward, Ph.D., Ackerman Institute (Jun 2023)
Postpartum Psychosis: Approach to Diagnosis and Clinical Management — Dr. Hart (Jun 2023)
Transcending Trauma: Treating Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems (IFS) — Frank Anderson, MD (Jun 2023)
The Impact of Sexual Abuse on Young Children — Donna Potter (Mar 2023)
Play Therapy 101 — Dr. Anderson Sungmin Yoon (Feb 2023)
IPT Level A Training — TTAC (Nov 2022)
Self-Care & Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) — Dr. LaGrange (Mar 2022)
Dual Diagnosis / Co-occurring Disorder — Dr. Carambot (Mar 2022)
DBT, DBT in a Correctional Setting, and Treatment Plan of NSSI — Dr. Ho (Feb 2022)
Malingering — Dr. Poggioli (Feb 2022)
Diagnosis — Dr. Otonichar (Feb 2022)
Admission Criteria / Mental Hygiene Law Regarding Hospitalization, and Malingering — Dr. Jennifer Mathur (Jan 2022)
Trauma — Dr. Ho (Jan 2022)
ASPD — Dr. Subedi (Jan 2022)
730 Mobile Team Services on Riker's Island — Dr. Chen (Jan 2022)
Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) — Ms. Solimo (Dec 2021)
730 Process — Dr. Fiona Radcliffe (Dec 2021)
Working with Sexual Offenders — Dr. Gallagher (Dec 2021)
Working with Transgendered Populations on Riker Island — Dr. Harrison (Nov 2021)
Violence Risk Assessment — Dr. Barber-Rioja (Nov 2021)
Hospitalization Assessment & BHPW — Dr. Chen (Nov 2021)
Suicidal Risk Assessment — Dr. Maslovskiy (Nov 2021)
Forensic Psychiatric Evaluation Court Clinics (FPECC) — Dr. Weissman (Nov 2021)
Motivational Interviewing — Mr. Schwartz (Nov 2021)
GCCS (Geriatrics & Complex Care Services) — Mr. Justine Butler & Ms. Kate Axelrod (Nov 2021)
Young Adult Services — Mr. Kemali Green (Nov 2021)
Clinical Documentation — Dr. Garcia-Mansilla (Nov 2021)
PACE Units at Riker's Island — Dr. Stancato (Oct 2021)
Core Services — Ms. Solimo (Oct 2021)
Psychopharmacology — Dr. Kushner (Oct 2021)
Clinical Interviewing — Dr. Rivera (Sep 2021)
Discharge Planning — Mr. Collins (Sep 2021)
DOC — Dr. Captain Gustave (Sep 2021)
Overview of Criminal Justice System — Dr. Maslovskiy (Sep 2021)
Dual Loyalty, Confidentiality, Collateral Information & Communication in Correctional Setting — Dr. Ho (Sep 2021)

Languagesspoken & written

English — fluent (spoken and written)
Mandarin 國語 — fluent (spoken and written)

Let's create something
meaningful together

Whether through therapy, workshops, art, or collaboration, I'd love to explore what we can create together.

Get in touch See artworks