Art Therapy Team
Boo Xu Ning
Hello, I am Xu Ning, a trauma-informed art therapist and a new mother. My journey into art therapy began with a lifelong love for art and a belief in its transformative power. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Nanyang Technological University and completed my Master’s in Art Therapy at LASALLE College of the Arts.
I started my career as a research assistant, conducting learning assessments with primary-level students with special needs. This experience laid the foundation for my understanding of educational challenges and developmental support. Later, I taught at a school for children and teens with diverse learning needs, collaborating with other professionals and parents to provide holistic care. Through these roles, I discovered the power of art to connect with students, enabling them to express themselves beyond words and reveal their unique strengths.
As a child, crafting always brought me joy, and this wonder evolved into a passion for helping others through creative expression. Encountering art therapy during my psychology studies felt like the perfect blend of my interests.
My training, which included placements at a halfway house and a child protection agency, reinforced the healing potential of art. These experiences deepened my understanding of how to provide empathetic, non-verbal support for children, teens, and caregivers facing complex trauma.
Since graduating, I have continued to work with children and youths with learning needs and those affected by trauma. Art therapy supports them in processing emotions, building coping skills, and navigating life’s challenges, fostering better relationships and mindfulness for a more fulfilling life.
My practice is about more than overcoming emotional challenges; it’s about fostering overall well-being. I am committed to making art and mental health support accessible, and I see it as a privilege to help individuals flourish through creativity.
Professional Qualifications & Affiliations
- BA (Honours) Psychology – Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- MA Art Therapy – Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore
- Member – Art Therapy Association Singapore
Trainings and Certifications
- Somatic Attachment Healing
- How to Work with Dreams in Clinical Practice by Leslie Ellis
- Basics of Group Psychotherapy: Theory and Experiential Learning by SGH Postgraduate Allied Health Group
- The Wisdom of Trauma and Special Talks on Trauma Series by Maurizio and Zaya, feat. Dr. Gabor Mate
- Treating Trauma Master Series by National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (USA)