Hello, my name is Shin-shin Ngiam. I grew up in Singapore and moved to the UK in 2009 to pursue my dream of studying Art Therapy. I have always loved the arts in all its forms and guises, and being able to help others tap into their own Creativity through curiosity, as a way to address and support social and emotion needs, has been a wonderful vocation. I thoroughly enjoy seeing how each child or young person uses therapeutic art making and play to navigate, process and gain perspectives to help move from a place of surviving to thriving.
I have had the privilege of working with children and young people aged 5 to 23 years, across a range of emotional, social, and neurological needs. I studied a B.Sc in Sociology and a MA in Art Therapy, and my experience includes being Trainee Art Therapist at a mainstream inner city Primary school in London, and later at CAMHS. The placements were fulfilling and busy times with a full caseload seeing 7 and more children over the course of the academic year.
A career break ensued when I relocated to Oxford and started a family. My ongoing journey as a SEN parent and active member of my children’s school community has given me a good grounding and fuller perspective of the child’s world. At present I work freelance with a Charity facilitating Creative Wellbeing Workshops for Adults. I also have my own ongoing creative practice incorporating visual, conceptual and dance movement work.
Whilst growing a family, I was able to stay in touch with my profession as an active member and eventually Joint coordinator of the local group of BAAT Art Therapists. As my own children are older, I am delighted to be returning to a dedicated art therapy practice. A part of this is re-registering with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) where I am working to complete placement hours. I have a strong belief in the importance of holistic therapy which encompasses the ongoing neuro feedback between mind and body in understanding and facilitating mental and physical wellbeing. This is aptly provided by play and art making (the doing) and the imagination (the thinking)! I look forward to working together to enable the child and young person to overcome their obstacles to start exploring their potential.
