When the directorof a small art exhibition in Hong Kong wanted to buy an unassuming illustration, which showed a woman holding up an umbrella under a sky of abstract black and white shapes, he had no idea how empowering that small act would be for its creator.

The piece had been produced during an expressive arts therapy session by a woman who had no confidence in her own drawing, but, encouraged by her therapist Canna Tang, had submitted it for a public arts festival exhibition.

So, when the director of an exhibition at ACO Book in Wan Chai showed an unexpected interest in a piece its artist deemed subpar, it gave her a new sense of confidence and validation.

Janet Li, another therapist and counsellor, has also long understood the power of art therapy, since verbal methods were not always well-suited for her elderly patients.

“Sometimes they cannot name their emotions, we needed to find some new ways to really touch their hearts,” Li said.

Hong Kong Expressive Arts Therapy Service Centre's art therapists (from left to right) Keith Chow, Janet Li, Canna Tang, Zoe So.

She, Tang, and two other local therapists, Keith Chow and Zoe So, have set up the Hong Kong Expressive Arts Therapy Service Centre, the first NGO to utilise expressive arts therapy in the city, which aims to promote art’s healing powers and make the service accessible for all.

At the centre, they use everything from visual art to dance to help clients express themselves. Their approach is not always through intense sessions, there are also fun activities, fundraising, and exhibitions where the public can connect with art.

One community programme they run in the city’s public housing estates invites passers-by to open booths where they can draw their feelings, play musical instruments, and even dance – the elderly, the therapists, working adults, and young students all together on the same stage.

For many, this is their first experience engaging with the arts, and discovering the joy and relief that can come from having a creative outlet, the founders said.

Last year, a University of Hong Kong’s study found 75 per cent of Hongkongers had depressive symptoms, but residents have to wait anywhere from two months to almost two years to see a public psychiatric specialist.

Tang said this was why the centre aimed to provide the option of therapy that could be more regular and readily available than the public system.

Some clients use expressive art therapy as a supplement rather than a replacement for clinical psychiatrists, but it was not limited to those who need psychiatric treatment, Tang said. “Actually, mental health is not [just] for people who have issues,” she said. “Mental health is for everyone.”

A display is put together at the Hong Kong Expressive Arts Therapy Service Centre ahead of its Be Together festival.

While it can be difficult for non-governmental organisations to get support from large donors, especially in an emerging industry such as art therapy, the centre’s “Be Together” arts festival has secured the support of Jebsen & Co, meaning they are able to offer more than 20 free workshops to the public.

In addition to providing a service, offering free workshops can also raise awareness about expressive arts therapy, Chow said.

There was a lot to be gained from that approach, not just for service users but for therapists too.

Li feels she gained wisdom from her elderly clients, and Chow said he found new ways to see the world in working with special needs children.

Tang said working with people with emotional disorders often led her into intriguing discussions about the meaning of life.