Kristy Hsu (She/Her) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist who graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2022. She has worked in various mental health settings in Chicago and the northwestern suburbs, including both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Kristy is dedicated to integrating art-based skills into her clinical work, developing creative and non-traditional approaches to help her clients. She primarily focuses on trauma-informed care, positive psychology, strength-based approaches, and mindfulness, empowering clients to pursue self-growth and self-exploration. She has experience serving a wide range of populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Her clinical experience is largely centered on helping children and adolescents with emotion regulation, anger management, depression, anxiety, and mood management. With adults and older adults, she is skilled in addressing issues related to life transitions, grief and loss, co-occurring disorders, and substance use.
Kristy believes that through the process of making art, people create a space to explore their feelings and thoughts. As a therapist, she guides clients in bridging the gap between nonverbal and verbal expression. Through art in psychotherapy, clients can reconnect with their intuition and spontaneity, fostering deeper connections with themselves and their loved ones. This belief also shapes her empathetic engagement in the therapeutic relationship, supporting clients in finding their own voices.
As an Asian therapist and a former international student, Kristy brings an open-minded, culturally aware perspective, along with a curiosity for exploring diverse identities and self-meaning. She is also passionate about providing family and parenting support, as well as fostering art therapy education through public outreach, in-service trainings, and group work.
To make an appointment with Kristy, please email kristy.hsu@artwelltherapycenter.com