INTERVIEW WITH JUN LEE JUN SHAN

In simple terms, can you explain what art therapy is about to those who might not know what it is?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process to support emotional wellbeing, self-expression, and personal growth. You don’t need to be artistic or have any art experience to benefit from it. 

Sometimes, feelings and experiences can be difficult to put into words. Through art-making, people can express thoughts and emotions in a different way, gaining new insights and perspectives. The focus isn’t on creating a beautiful piece of art, but on the process of making it and what it can reveal. 

As an art therapist, I provide a safe and supportive space where individuals can explore their experiences, build resilience, develop coping strategies, and reconnect with their strengths. Art becomes a tool for reflection, healing, and meaningful change.

 

What does art therapy mean to you and how did you first discover about art therapy as a practice?

To me art therapy is about creating a safe and supportive space where people can express themselves, make sense of their experiences, and discover their own strengths through the creative process. I believe art has a unique way of reaching emotions and experiences that are sometimes difficult to put into words, making it a powerful pathway for healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.

I first discovered art therapy in 2007 while working as a social worker. My former supervisor encouraged me to attend an introductory art therapy course as part of my professional development. As someone who has always loved making art, I was fascinated by how creativity could be used therapeutically to support emotional wellbeing and help navigate life’s challenges.

 
 

When did you first realize that you wanted to be an art therapist? Was it your first career choice?

Art therapy wasn’t my first career choice. I began my career as a social worker, and it was through that work that I realised the limitations of relying on words alone, especially when working with children. After attending an introductory art therapy course in 2007, I saw how the creative process could complement counselling by providing another way for people to express thoughts and feelings that might otherwise remain unspoken.

That experience convinced me that art therapy was the path I wanted to pursue. I enrolled in the Master’s in Art Therapy programme at LASALLE College of the Arts in 2008, and it has shaped my professional journey ever since.

“These moments remind me that art is not about creating something perfect or beautiful—it is about connection, self-exploration and discovery.

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What is the greatest joy of being an art therapist?

The greatest joy of being an art therapist is being able to witness the small but meaningful moments of change in people. I feel privileged to create a safe space where individuals can express what may be difficult to put into words, explore their emotions, and discover strengths within themselves.

Sometimes, it is simply seeing someone become more willing to try, smile, as they create, share something through their artwork, or realise that they are capable of more than they thought. These moments remind me that art is not about creating something perfect or beautiful—it is about connection, self-exploration and discovery. Being part of that journey and seeing someone grow in confidence, find their voice, or experience a little more joy and hope, is what makes being an art therapist so meaningful to me.

How did you find out about The Red Pencil (Singapore)?

I first learned about The Red Pencil (Singapore) when the charity’s founder Laurence de Groote gave a talk at LASALLE while I was a student. She shared about the organisation’s work and invited those who were interested in supporting their cause to leave their email addresses so that they could be contacted about future opportunities. I left my email and have been receiving occasional updates and opportunities from The Red Pencil (Singapore) since then.

Can you share with us more about the greatest moment or most unforgettable experience you have had thus far working with The Red Pencil (Singapore)?

It is difficult to identify one greatest or most unforgettable moment, having known and worked with The Red Pencil (Singapore) for more than a decade. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with people from different walks of life, and I believe each experience and encounter is unique and meaningful in its own way. What I am most appreciative of is having been part of The Red Pencil (Singapore)’s journey and its continued efforts to empower individuals and communities through transformative potential of art therapy. Being able to contribute, in my own small way, to this shared cause has been meaningful and rewarding journey for me.

 

What are some of the challenges you have experienced as an art therapist, and what do you think are some common misconceptions about art therapy?

One of the challenges I’ve encountered is working with individuals who are referred or mandated to attend art therapy and may not be ready or willing to participate. In those situations, it’s important to build trust, respect their pace, and create a safe space where they feel heard rather than pressured. Meaningful engagement often takes time.

A common misconception is that art therapy is only for people who have serious emotional or mental health issues. In reality, it can benefit anyone seeking greater self-awareness, emotional wellbeing, or support through life’s challenges.

Another misconception is that you need to be good at art to benefit from art therapy. You don’t. The focus is not on artistic skill or creating a beautiful artwork, but on the creative process and the personal meaning it holds.

“Art simply becomes another way to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to put into words"

Do you have any advice for budding art therapists out there who want to start this profession?

Stay curious and keep learning—not just about art therapy, but about people. While artistic skills are helpful, what matters most is your ability to listen with empathy, build genuine relationships, and create a safe space for others to express themselves.

I also encourage aspiring art therapists to gain experience working with different population and to be open to learning from multidisciplinary teams. Every person and every setting will teach you something new.

Finally, remember to care for yourself too. Supporting others can be deeply meaningful, but it also requires self-awareness, reflection, and good supervision. When you continue to nurture your own wellbeing and creativity, you’ll be better equipped to support the healing and growth of those you work with.

From your experience, how do you think art therapy impacted the lives of your clients? 

From my experience, art therapy
can create a safe space for people to express what words sometimes cannot. I have witnessed clients become more confident in expressing themselves, gain greater awareness of their emotions, and discover strengths they may not have recognised before. Sometimes the impact is seen in small but meaningful moments—a client finding the courage to try something new, making a choice for
themselves, connecting with another person, or simply experiencing joy in the process of creating. To me, these moments are powerful reminders that art therapy is not about creating beautiful art, but about creating opportunities for connection, self-discovery, and change.

How does being an art therapist affect your life? 

Being an art therapist has shaped not only my career but also how I see people and approach life. It has taught me to slow down, listen more deeply, and appreciate that everyone’s experiences and healing journey are unique.

It has also strengthened my belief in the power of creativity. Art reminds us that there isn’t always one “right" answer or outcome—sometimes the process of exploring, experimenting, and reflecting is where growth happens. That perspective has made me more patient, more open, and
more accepting of uncertainty, both in my work and in my personal life.

Above all, it is a privilege to witness people’s courage and resilience as they navigate challenges. Those experiences continually inspire me and remind me that even in difficult times, healing, hope, and
transformation are possible.