INTERVIEW WITH JOYCE LOW

What does Art Therapy mean to you?

Art therapy is an invaluable tool in my toolkit for self-care and self-cultivation, and is especially useful in doing the interior work of soul-care and exploration. Almost two decades ago I stumbled upon a book on visual journalling which introduced me to art therapy as a practice. 

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

I am a mid-career switcher who shifted from a role in the legal profession to the helping profession when I decided to seek out something which provided personal meaning. I was also looking for something that allowed for a different and new way of living. 

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

A representative from RPS had given a talk at Lasalle College for the Arts when I was studying for my masters in art therapy there.

What is the greatest joy of being an art therapist? 

Witnessing client transformation and stories of change in sessions makes the art therapist’s path worthwhile. 

“The richness you experience will be in your own personal growth and the satisfaction of journeying with your client in their healing."

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)? 

Sometimes the therapeutic gains experienced by clients are small and incremental, although no less significant. One client who initially presented as withdrawn and with low mood became more engaged with the art-making process and with the rest of the group members as he gradually found his artistic and authentic voice in expressing himself. It was heartening to witness his change as he began to experience himself in a more positive way too. 

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?   

The challenges and common misconceptions are often related. Principally, many still perceive art therapy as “art and craft" and therefore expect teaching and step-by-step instructions on techniques while purely focusing on aesthetically-pleasing outcomes. Art therapy offers so much more than that, for example, in the forms of psychological containment of strong affect and the therapeutic use of silence. 

" Witnessing client transformation and stories of change in sessions makes the art therapist’s path worthwhile. “

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

Art therapy gave them a creative voice to express and externalise their interior experiences hence deepening meaning-making and allowing feelings to land and find a home.