Exploring Art Therapy: Jiani Liu’s Journey of Healing and Growth

Jiani Liu’s path into art therapy illustrates the deep connection between creativity and mental health.

Combining her background in Fine Arts and Psychology, Liu discovered a distinctive role in art therapy, where her dual passions come together to support emotional healing and personal development.

Her professional journey began with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. During this time, Liu found that traditional ABA methods didn’t always align with her therapeutic philosophy. She sought to enhance her practice by incorporating art activities, which proved effective in providing emotional relief and alternative communication methods for her young clients. This approach allowed for more nuanced interactions, where art served as a bridge between the clients' internal experiences and their external expressions.

At the Child Center of NY, Liu further developed her approach by working with a diverse clientele, including many from immigrant families in Flushing. Her work involved both group and individual therapy sessions, utilizing art to address issues such as ADHD, anxiety, and emotional regulation. Liu’s practice emphasized the importance of non-verbal communication through creative activities, which proved especially valuable for clients who struggled with verbal expression.

Collaboration with colleagues has been a cornerstone of Liu’s practice. Her work environment includes professionals with varied backgrounds, such as a supervisor with expertise in family and marriage counseling. This collaborative spirit enriches the therapeutic process, integrating different perspectives and techniques. For example, incorporating dance therapy and body movement exercises into sessions addresses physical discomfort and trauma, adding depth to the therapeutic experience.

In the multicultural landscape of New York, Liu’s practice is informed by cultural sensitivity. Art therapy’s inherent flexibility allows for effective communication across diverse cultural backgrounds, providing clients with a means to express themselves creatively regardless of language barriers.

She has developed workshops for a year that introduce art therapy concepts to wider audiences, particularly in Asian and immigrant communities. These workshops are designed to make mental health resources more accessible and to promote awareness of art therapy’s benefits.

In managing the emotional demands of her work, Liu relies on personal hobbies like jewelry design, photography, and pottery. These activities offer her a creative outlet and help maintain her well-being. She also values the support from her colleagues and supervisors, which plays a crucial role in managing professional burnout.

Jiani Liu’s work highlights the significant impact of art therapy on emotional and psychological well-being. By integrating artistic expression with therapeutic techniques, Liu provides a comprehensive approach to healing, allowing clients to dig into and express their inner experiences in meaningful ways.