With a background in Art History and Political Science, Jade is a firm believer in the integration of creative arts therapies and mental health counselling to help treat psychological disorders and enhance general well-being.
Name: Jade Chung
Graduating Year: 2012
Years at CIS: 14
Current city of residence: Hong Kong
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Hong Kong and was CIS-bred through and through, Water World to Year 13. I was always passionate about art and during secondary, I spent a lot of my free time in the art studios. Academically, I was fascinated by the subject of art in relation to global cultures, history, and politics. I was lucky to be able to study all of those things in college and then more as a postgraduate, really around the world – the U.S., Beijing, and London. My educational journey was really pivotal in shaping the kind of work I do today and the person I am. Currently, I am back in Hong Kong, full-time training to become an art therapist and part-time working in design. I’ve got a corgi named Romeo and I’m trying to pick up analogue photography as a hobby.
You have been involved in the arts field your entire career. What attracted you to it?
I see art as a universal language that ties people and communities together, across time, geography, and difference. I think oftentimes the notion of the arts is perceived as this abstract niche and intimidating thing, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We are all born with the creative capacity to make art, and that makes it such a powerful and human form of expression. We could all see more of it, understand more of it, do more of it – so I’ve always wanted my career to be in advocacy for that, in some way or another.
Who are some of your greatest artistic inspirations?
This isn’t a who, but I would say that nature is my greatest source of artistic inspiration. The beauty in our natural world is really just infinite and primordial and has been a source of inspiration for artists since the beginning of time.
You are also working towards qualifying and practising as a licensed mental health professional. How did that come about? Was it a natural change/next step for you career-wise?
I had been working in commercial art sales for a few years before the world seemed to turn inside out, with first the Hong Kong protests and then the start of the pandemic. It was an eye-opening time for me, and I found myself more and more inclined to pivot my work into something service-oriented, that could give back to the greater community. So, I quit my job about a year ago and embarked on a new journey; I began to educate myself in basic psychology and started professional training in art therapy. I’d followed my intuition and in that sense, the transition was natural – but that’s not to say the change hasn’t been challenging, and I still have a ways to go! My goal is to become a licensed mental health practitioner, and this fall I will be taking another step and starting a Masters in mental health counselling.
How much progress do you feel has been made when it comes to normalizing talking about mental health issues and destigmatizing mental health treatments?
I think the global discourse on mental health has changed quite significantly in recent times, a ripple effect of not only the pandemic, but also of the socio-political affairs and economic pressures that many faced over the last two years. In 2020-2021, we saw a high surge in reported cases of anxiety and depression, with many more individuals seeking support for their mental health. While that has been alarming, as the demand for psych-based services has increased, we are also witnessing greater popular awareness and dialogue around the subject.
As we go forward, there are many questions on the table we must continue to explore. This includes but is not limited to issues around the accessibility of mental healthcare, the affordability of it, the stigma behind psychiatric drug use, the mystery of ‘woo-woo’ alternative therapies. The more we talk about it, the less fear there is around it, and the more informed we can be. In my opinion, Hong Kong is still behind on this learning curve; but I do think that the culture around it, particularly among the younger generations, is slowly beginning to change.
You’re offering private art therapy sessions – can you give us a sneak peek into what a session might look like?
The sessions I’m offering at the moment are a part of my clinical practicum. I work with clients internationally on-online and in-person at my studio in Central. Everyone can gain something from art therapy, and I keep it wide open to anyone — all ages, abilities, genders, and cultures, individually, as a couple, or in small groups.
A typical one-on-one ranges from 50 to 75 minutes long, starting with a conversational check-in. Most often, that conversation will lead my client towards a theme, topic, or question that I then help guide into an art-making process. In-person at the studio, I provide a range of art materials to choose from and experiment with. At the end of the session we leave some time to debrief the process and the image, discussing any emotions or thoughts that may have come up for the client, or any observations I have. I’m big on integrative therapy and sometimes I’ll integrate mindfulness work into the art process.
What are your favourite ways to unwind at the end of a long and stressful day of work?
A big bowl of pasta with a glass of wine, a cuddle with my dog, a warm bath, and if I’m particularly wired, a guided meditation that helps put me to sleep (I love the apps Calm and Feel Better). I like to journal or doodle also.
Favourite memory of CIS?
I can think of two …
Recess time – rushing to the cafeteria for my favourite $7 curry samosas and pork buns, and then hanging about with friends.
Spirit Week! My class really came together and it felt like an amazing commemoration of our time in school. We also had absolutely absurd interactions with teachers that I still think back on.
You are planning an art jam and wine session. Which CIS teacher are you taking with you, and why?
My Year 3 teacher, Mrs Becky Chau. I remember her being very supportive of my art as a child and she was a big influence on me. I would love to catch up with her!