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

Download my full CV in Word format.
Download CV (.docx)

Educationacademic training

Psy.D, Clinical Psychology
Sep 2025 — Present
Adler University, Vancouver, BC
MA, Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Sep 2024 — Oct 2025
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
Sep 2021 — May 2023
New York University, New York, NY
Thesis: Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy in Correctional Settings
BFA, Fine Arts
Sep 2017 — May 2021
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
Jun 2023 — Jul 2025
The Child Center of NY, New York, USA
  • Led IOP art therapy groups for mothers with postpartum depression and co-occurring conditions (bipolar, MDD, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, SUD)
  • Integrated DBT, IPT, and trauma-informed art therapy to support emotional regulation and maternal identity reconstruction
  • Provided individual, family, and couples art therapy for women aged 19–44 with perinatal/postpartum depression
  • Facilitated bilingual (Mandarin/English) groups: Art Therapy, Circle of Security, Bright Beginnings, Personal Best, psychoeducation
  • Conducted intake interviews, diagnostic assessments, and treatment planning for mothers, infants, and families
  • Provided case management — helping mothers access housing, SNAP, childcare, and government benefits
  • Developed staff art therapy and self-care workshops fostering team resilience and cohesion
  • Organized client art exhibitions before discharge to celebrate therapeutic progress
Art Therapist — Part-time (Remote)
Nov 2023 — Present
Heal You 聊心茶室, Taipei, Taiwan
  • Provide mental health and art therapy services to Mandarin-speaking clients across diverse age groups
  • Conduct intake assessments and clinical interviews gathering psychological, familial, and cultural information
  • Facilitate individual and family art therapy using IPT, REBT, DBT, psychoeducation, and client-centered techniques
  • Support emotional regulation, trauma processing, and self-expression through art materials and symbolism
Art Therapist — Part-time
Aug 2023 — Jul 2025
Utopia, New York, USA
  • Organized and led art-as-therapy workshops for the general public
  • Facilitated art therapy sessions during gallery exhibitions, supporting visitors' emotional reflection
  • Collaborated with the design and curation team to plan art events merging expression and mental health awareness
  • Created marketing and social media materials promoting community engagement and accessibility

Practicum Experiencetraining placements

Social Justice Practicum Student / Program Outreach Assistant
Oct 2025 — Present
BC Bereavement Hotline, Vancouver, Canada
  • Support implementation and evaluation of grief support initiatives serving diverse BC communities
  • Coordinate virtual and in-person grief education programs and community outreach events
  • Contribute to CRM management, volunteer coordination, and resource creation
  • Research best practices in grief support and nonprofit operations
  • Apply trauma-informed and culturally sensitive communication with grieving individuals
  • Support Truth and Reconciliation initiatives by promoting Indigenous perspectives in grief education
Art Therapy Intern
Sep 2022 — May 2023
The Child Center of NY, New York, USA
  • Facilitated DBT-, REBT-, IPT-informed art therapy and psychotherapy groups
  • Co-facilitated IOP art therapy groups for mothers with postpartum depression and co-occurring conditions
  • Conducted individual and family art therapy for children referred from schools
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team (psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists) for trauma-informed care
  • Maintained comprehensive clinical documentation: progress notes, treatment plans, outcome tracking
Art Therapy Intern
Sep 2021 — May 2022
Riker's Island Correctional Facility, New York, USA
  • Provided individual and group art therapy to incarcerated women, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Worked in Mental Health (MI) and PACE units providing intensive psychiatric treatment
  • Served clients with personality disorders, intellectual disabilities, psychosis, bipolar I/II, MDD, anxiety, PTSD, paraphilias
  • Used art-based exploration of trauma, identity, and self-expression to promote regulation and resilience
  • Collaborated with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, correctional officers
  • Participated in weekly multidisciplinary treatment meetings, contributing to case formulation and discharge planning
Art Therapy Intern
Mar — May 2022
Rubin Museum: Healing Through Art, New York, USA
  • Facilitated art therapy groups within the Healing Through Art exhibition
  • Designed art-based interventions for children, adults, and seniors with varying readiness
  • Collaborated with museum staff and volunteers to integrate therapeutic activities into programming
  • Provided psychoeducation on the psychological benefits of creativity and artmaking
Art Therapy Intern
Jul 2022
Parrish of San Marco Vecchio, Florence, Italy
  • Facilitated group art therapy for children ages 5–12, fostering emotional expression and confidence
  • Designed developmentally appropriate interventions tailored to each child's needs and strengths
  • Collaborated with parents and church staff to address emotional and behavioral challenges
  • Organized a culminating art exhibition celebrating participants' creative achievements

Researchscholarly work

Research Collaborator
Apr 2025 — Present
Beijing Bridging Hope Charity Foundation & Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China
  • Project: Empirical Research and Application of Art as Therapy in Mental Health Interventions for Middle School Students in Rural and Township Areas in China
  • Co-design and lead the research framework, integrating academic, clinical, and community perspectives for an applied art therapy program in rural schools
  • Contribute to curriculum design, data collection protocols, and an ethical framework for evaluating creative arts therapy outcomes
  • Support interdisciplinary dialogue between art, psychology, and education for sustainable, culturally responsive practices
Graduate Research Assistant
Sep 2024 — Jul 2025
Mount Sinai Hospital Suicide Prevention Research Lab — Dr. Igor Galynker
  • Supported suicide intervention research aimed at preventing suicidal behaviors in high-risk populations
  • Conducted structured interviews and assessments under supervision
  • Collaborated with team investigating the Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS) and Narrative-Crisis Model
  • Compiled reports, analyzed findings, and prepared materials for conferences and publications
Graduate Research Assistant
Sep 2024 — Jul 2025
BOBA Project — Brigham and Women's Hospital · Harvard Medical School · NIMH
  • Joined a 5-year longitudinal study on racial discrimination and mental health among Chinese American adolescents
  • Directed by Dr. Cindy Liu and Dr. Tiffany Yip
  • Conducted community-based recruitment in NYC Chinatown and Flushing
  • Provided bilingual support to bridge language and cultural nuances in research and reports

Leadership & Foundingbuilding & leading

Founder & CEO — Soulverse 心球覺啟
Jan 2024 — Present
Asia & North America (Remote)
  • Founded an early-stage digital mental wellness platform using art-making and emotional reflection
  • Develop platform vision, product concept, UX, and culturally responsive community-based model
  • Coordinate interdisciplinary collaborators (designers, developers, therapists, advisors)
  • Conduct user research focused on Asian and Asian diasporic communities and stigma barriers
  • Design art-based prompts, emotional check-ins, reflective tools, and community engagement features
  • Explore ethical, culturally sensitive uses of technology in mental health education
Public Relations & Social Media Chair — Part-time (Remote)
Mar 2024 — Present
New York Art Therapy Association (NYATA)
  • Lead public communications strategy across social media platforms
  • Create educational and visually compelling content to promote events and initiatives
  • Design and distribute digital newsletters, promotional materials, and website updates
  • Collaborate with board members, artists, and clinicians on inclusive messaging
  • Cultivate relationships with partners, media, and stakeholders for advocacy
Founder — H-Bridge Chinese Young Artists Club
Oct 2018 — Present
New York, USA
  • Founded a student-led organization connecting Chinese art students across NYC
  • Organized exhibitions, networking events, and workshops for emerging artists
  • Developed outreach campaigns using social media and print to grow membership
  • Established partnerships with art schools, galleries, and organizations
  • Led a team of volunteers, fostering collaboration and strategic planning
Founder — Hope
Sep 2019 — Apr 2020
New York, USA
  • Founded a grassroots social awareness group using public art and storytelling on homelessness
  • Designed art-based advocacy campaigns inviting community participation and dialogue
  • Conducted interviews with unhoused individuals to share their voices through creative platforms
  • Organized donation drives collecting food, clothing, and hygiene supplies for shelters
Culture Advisor — Part-time (Remote)
Jan 2021 — Present
Urantia Foundation, Chicago, USA
  • Translated books, posters, and digital content into Mandarin to expand Taiwanese/Chinese reach
  • Designed and facilitated cultural workshops highlighting Taiwanese and Chinese traditions
  • Built partnerships and facilitated cross-cultural dialogue to support global mission
Lunar New Year and Cultural Fair Event Planner
Jan 2014 — Mar 2017
  • Organized large-scale Lunar New Year cultural events including logistics and budgeting
  • Developed outreach via social media and community partnerships for diverse audiences
  • Designed immersive event spaces blending traditional and contemporary aesthetics
Cultural Ambassador — China Taiwan ACFTC Cultural Exchange
Summer 2019
China
  • Represented Taiwan in a cross-strait cultural exchange program
  • Participated in cultural events, educational workshops, and performances
  • Engaged with Chinese media and government officials for public diplomacy
  • Received media coverage highlighting youth in cultural diplomacy

Teaching & Workshopseducation & outreach

Teacher — Part-time (Remote)
Nov 2023 — Feb 2024
Yunnan Arts University, Yunnan, China
  • Led free online art therapy info sessions for university students
  • Adapted content to varying experience levels for accessibility across disciplines
  • Promoted emotional exploration through art-based discussions and creative reflection
Art Therapist — Part-time (Remote)
Jun 2023 — Present
Vagus, Yunnan, China
  • Facilitated online art-as-therapy workshops and public lectures
  • Designed educational materials and curriculum introducing art therapy concepts to the public
Art Therapist — Part-time (Remote)
Nov 2023 — Present
China International Art Therapy Prospective Forum 中國國際藝術治療前瞻論壇
  • Conduct online art-as-therapy workshops, lectures, and curriculum development
  • Share curated resources — research articles, books, case studies — with the online community
Study Abroad Tutor — Part-time (Remote)
Aug 2023 — Dec 2024
Yiji Episode 壹集藝術留學, Beijing, China
  • Delivered online lectures on art therapy graduate programs and portfolio guidance
  • Created personalized study plans tailored to each student's goals and background
  • Supported students throughout the application process
Study Abroad Tutor — Part-time (Remote)
Aug 2023 — Aug 2024
Honshi Art Study Abroad 弘時藝術留學, Beijing, China
  • Delivered online lectures on art therapy graduate programs and portfolio guidance
  • Created personalized study plans tailored to each student's goals and background
  • Fostered motivation and confidence throughout the application process
Co-Lead — Art for Wellness
Spring 2023
New York University, New York, USA
  • Co-led art therapy groups for NYU students and community members with chronic illnesses
  • Facilitated art-making sessions supporting stress relief and social connection
  • Collaborated with Program Director on trauma-informed, client-centered activities
  • Introduced participants to foundations of art therapy and holistic wellness

Creative & Community Rolesdesign & service

Secretary
Feb 2019 — Feb 2020
Caroline Hu Fashion Studio, New York, USA
  • Provided administrative support to designer Caroline Hu — calendar, travel, communications
  • Supported London Fashion Week preparations including logistics and backstage coordination
  • Maintained communication with international clients and vendors
  • Conducted market and trend research to inform design direction
Graphic Designer
Oct 2019 — Oct 2020
The Artists Forum, New York, USA
  • Designed digital and print materials including flyers, social media graphics, and web assets
  • Assisted with photo retouching, layout design, and proofreading for visual campaigns
  • Used Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) on diverse projects
Volunteer
Oct 2019 — Apr 2020
Mighty Mutts, New York, USA
  • Promoted animal welfare and fundraising at outreach events in Union Square
  • Educated public on animal rescue, adoption, and volunteer opportunities
  • Supported event logistics and shelter operations
Contributing Artist — Washington Square News
Spring 2023
New York University, New York, USA
  • Published original artwork in NYU's campus newspaper
  • Collaborated with editorial staff to deliver high-quality visual content
  • Contributed to NYU's creative community through cultural and personal expression

Media & Speakingpresentations & workshops

Inner Debug: Using Art to Scan Your Emotional System — Workshop
Aug 4, 2025
COSCUP — Conference for Open-Source Coders, Users, and Promoters, Taipei, Taiwan
Guest Speaker — Introduction to Psychology Field
Apr 2025
NYU Mood Psychology, New York
Introduction to Music Therapy — Public Lecture
Mar 21, 2025
Online
Journey Through the Darkness — International Online Art Therapy Workshop
Mar 2, 2025
Online
Art × Drama Healing Workshop (Art Therapy × Drama Therapy)
Mar 1, 2025
UTOPIA
In-Person Art Therapy Workshop
Jan 11, 2025
New York, USA
In-Person Art Therapy Workshop
Aug 26, 2024
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Introductory Art Therapy Lecture & Workshop
Aug 5, 2024
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Confucius Institute, Kunming Branch, China
3-Day In-Person Art Therapy Workshop
Aug 1–4, 2024
Yunnan Kunming, China
Embracing Change and Uncertainty — Art as Therapy Workshop
May 24, 2024
Not Yet Art
Impact and Sustainability — Art as Therapy Workshop
Apr 10, 2024
GAIC, New York
How to Become an Art Therapist
Feb 17, 2024
VAGUS, China
Ethics and Morals in Art Therapy
Jan 20, 2024
VAGUS, China
Art Therapy Intervention in Correctional Settings
Dec 17, 2023
China International Arts Therapy Prospective Forum
Art Exhibition Panel Discussion — AI and Technology
Oct 29, 2023
Utopia, New York
Art Therapy in a Correctional Setting
Oct 16, 2023
Sino Vision, New York Lounge — YouTube
Art Therapy Introduction — Healing Through Art
Sep 17, 2023
VAGUS, China
Art Therapy Study Abroad
Aug 12, 2023
EPISODE, China
Art Therapy Intervention in Correctional Settings
Jul 23, 2023
VAGUS, China

Magazine Publicationswriting

Viewing the World through 'Art Creation' in Correctional Institutions
Jan 30, 2024
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
Jan 17, 2024
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

BCBH Traumatic Loss Facilitator Training (TLFT) (Jan 24, 2026)
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) — Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis, Teachers College, Columbia University, CCPX 5026 (Sep – Dec 2025)
Indigenous Canada Certificate — University of Alberta (Coursera) (Oct 14, 2025)
Building Productive Relationships with Social Intelligence (SQ) — Dr. Terrence E. Maltbia, Teachers College, Columbia University, ORLD 5822 (Jun – Jul 2025)
Motivational Interviewing (MI) — Dr. Jennifer J. Chang, Teachers College, Columbia University, CCPJ 4199 (Jun – Jul 2025)
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: CBT and ERP for GAD, Panic, OCD, Social Anxiety & Phobias (Sep 2023)
Bright Beginning — Martha E. Edward, Ph.D., Ackerman Institute (Jun 2023)
Postpartum Psychosis: Diagnosis and Clinical Management — Dr. Hart (Jun 2023)
Transcending Trauma: Treating Complex PTSD with 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 Correctional Settings, and Treatment Plan of NSSI — Dr. Ho (Feb 2022)
Malingering — Dr. Poggioli (Feb 2022)
Diagnosis — Dr. Otonichar (Feb 2022)
Admission Criteria / Mental Hygiene Law and Hospitalization, Malingering — Dr. 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) — Justine Butler & 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 in Correctional Settings — 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