15 May 2017
2017 marked the 10th batch of graduating students from LASALLE’s ground-breaking MA Art Therapy Programme. The programme was the first of its kind in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Today, LASALLE’s MA Art Therapy graduates are making a difference all over the world, from art therapy in hospitals to disaster relief in stricken areas.
“Art therapy is increasingly becoming embraced and utilised as an acceptable mental health intervention and practice. Over the past several years, we have experienced an increase in invitations from the community to collaborate in large-scale projects, serve in consultancy roles and to develop art therapy services within agencies, hospitals and hospices,” said Ron Lay Programme Leader, MA Art Therapy. “In the future, I envision all major hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, hospices and NGOs in Singapore to have a sustaining art therapy service fully integrated within their setting.”
Here are some of our alumni who are making a difference in the lives of others...
Laurence Vandenborre
Founder, The Red Pencil
Laurence is the founder of The Red Pencil, a non-profit organisation helping children, adults, and families through art therapy. To date, The Red Pencil has undertaken 23 humanitarian missions to 21 countries to provide therapy and support to survivors of earthquakes, typhoons, traumas of abuse and neglect, and more.
Esther Ng
Founder, Coalition Against Bullying for Children and Youth
Esther is one of Singapore’s foremost anti-bullying activists. Since founding the non-profit organisation, Coalition Against Bullying for Children and Youth, her advocacy and research work has won her much regard locally and internationally. In recognition of her continuous passion to advocate for children and youth, Esther received the Channel NewsAsia Singapore Woman of the Year Award 2009.
Jane Goh
Head of Creative Services, Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Since 2003, Jane has been working at SAMH to improve and innovate services for mental well-being. As Head of Creative Services, she has pioneered many initiatives, such as open art therapy sessions where patients with mental illness mingle with members of the public, breaking down barriers and demolishing stereotypes.
