“Art therapy helps me express what words cannot.”
Art therapy is for everyone who needs professional psychological support and does not require any previous experience, skills or talents.
All ages are welcome.
मैत्री /Maitrī/
Maitri is one of the four virtues of Buddhism, collectively known as Brahmaviharas or ‘the immeasurables’. The term maitri can be translated from Sanskrit as “loving-kindness,” “benevolence,” or “friendliness”.
The concept is central to the Buddhist practice of loving-kindness meditation and is also referenced in ancient Hindu and Jain scriptures.
About MAI:tri
Maitri VN, /mai-tree vn/, is a mental health collective dedicated to promoting emotional well-being and mental health awareness via creativity and trauma-informed approach in Vietnam.
We offer a range of services, including individual and group therapy, psycho-educational programs, and wellness retreats. Maitri VN also advocates for mental health by raising public awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting initiatives that foster mental wellness across communities in Vietnam. Through therapeutic services and advocacy, Maitri VN aims to create a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals and communities seeking healing and personal growth.
Inclusivity and cultural competence are important to us! Our therapist has been trained to provide affirmative therapy to LGBT+ clients.
Our Philosophy
mWe do not see psychological symptoms as “impairments” or “flaws” but an invitation for an individual to return to their true authentic Self. We believe in the completeness and wholeness of every client who comes to us. With guidance from a professionally trained therapist, each individual can connect with their “Self”—the compassionate, wise center within—and build a nurturing relationship with their inner parts. Through this connection, they can help these parts feel seen, understood, and cared for.
Beside providing therapeutic services, we are also committed to defying existing stigmas and hurting discrimination in society towards mental health and help seeking behaviors. We believe that seeking help is a strength and a must-have skill.
Meet Founder/Art Therapist
Hi! It’s Linh Nguyen here. I am an art therapist, a trauma therapist and a mindfulness practitioner with 6 years of experience in helping individuals heal from trauma and build emotional resilience through creativity and mindfulness practices. I’ve worked with children, adolescents, marginalized communities, survivors of abuse/violence, and those impacted by human trafficking.
I received the prestigious Fulbright scholarship in 2017 and completed the Master’s program in Art Therapy at School of Visual Arts (New York, USA) with a specialization in trauma. Since then, I’ve continued intensive training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experience (DARe), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), addiction-informed care and affirmative counseling for LGBTQ+ clients. Both IFS and SE allow me to address trauma by helping clients gently reconnect with fragmented parts of themselves, reframe the trauma narrative and release the stuch energy, supporting transformation and integration.
In addition to my clinical work, I am also a children’s book author, where I aim to introduce themes of emotional well-being and resilience to young readers. I look forward to working with you.
Our Services
Individual Clinical Art Therapy
Online & Offline
Community Art Therapy & Psycho-education Workshops & Events
Online & Offline
Organizational & Corporate Workshops, Training & Retreats
Online & Offline
Our Expertise
I We have experience in supporting clients dealing with depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), developmental trauma, dissociation, childhood abuse and neglect, adult survivors of sexual abuse, teens navigating gender transition, self-injury, and other life crises.
Trauma Recovery, PTSD, C-PTSD and Trauma-informed Care
Childhood Adversities & Attachment Wounds
Grief, Loss and Transitioning
Somatic Embodiment & Mindbody Integration
An Integration of Pluralistic Approaches
“Rather than focusing on just the symptoms, I take into account the mental, physical, and spiritual factors that impact your overall well-being on all levels of mind and body. My holistic approach blends art therapy, traditional talk therapy, and innovative interventions to create a tailored experience that best meets the unique needs of each client. ” – Linh Nguyen
Art Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Mindfulness & Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experience (DARe)
Get the Support You Need in 3 Steps:
Step 1
Sign Up for an Intake Session
We’d love to know more about you and assist you in deciding whether we are right for you and your needs. The intake session will last 60 minutes and you will talk with Linh Nguyen, our art therapist. This call will be proceeded in person or online.
Step 2
Talk to Our Art Therapist
During your appointment, you will speak with Linh, who will ask a few questions to understand you better and learn about your therapy needs. No art making will be involved. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions or seek clarification about the process.
Step 3
Start the Treatment
There is no need to rush in therapy. We encourage you to take your time to speak with different therapists and find the best fit. If you want to work with Linh, we will begin with weekly sessions. After 4-6 sessions, you and Linh will review the progress and discuss your experience.
Pricing
1.500.000
Intake session
This is the first session where the therapist gets to know you and determines whether our service can support your needs for therapy. Duration: 60 minutes.
2.000.000VND
Per individual session
The session can be either art therapy or traditional talk therapy. Applying for both ONLINE and OFFLINE service. Duration: 60 minutes.
How does sliding scale work?
A sliding scale is a range of rates that increase or decrease based on your income. We offer a sliding scale from 1.300.000VND to 2.000.000VND. Below are some of our suggestions:
- If you’re a college student, or currently unemployed or facing financial challenges, we suggest the minimum amount (1.300.000-1.400.000VND/session)
- If you have a stable job with a consistent income, no to very little savings, you can consider the mid range (1.500.000-1.700.000/session)
- If you have a stable job with a consistent income, some savings, your finance is secure and comfortable, you can consider paying 1.800.000-2.000.000VND/session.
- If you are dealing with financial hardships whether because of COVID or not, we are more than willing to offer you a different sliding scale. We want to make sure our mental health service is affordable and inclusive!
Write to us at maitrivietnam@gmail.com and offer your minimum affordability per session.
Common Questions
1. How do I know whether Art therapy is a good fit for me?
Art therapy may be a good fit if you:
- Are open to using art materials or exploring images and metaphors (No need to feel confident or skilled at it)
- Believe that art-making can help you explore different aspects of yourself, alongside verbal expression
- Trust that everyone, including you, has the potential and resources for creativity.
2. Do I have to be good at art?
Art therapy does NOT require:
- Any artistic skills or craftsmanship
- Any previous experience with art making
- Any art-based knowledge.
3. In case I don’t want to make art, can you offer talk therapy?
Yes. While I am not traditionally trained as a talk therapist or counselor, I have completed training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE) and a few others. This allows me to offer talk therapy based on these widely recognized modalities.
4. Can I process trauma without talking about the event or reliving the experience?
Absolutely. In the approaches I’ve been trained in, especially Somatic Experiencing (SE), discussing the traumatic event or reliving the experience is not necessary for processing trauma.
5. How do you work with children or adolescents?
When working with children or adolescents, I create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they can express themselves through art, play, and creative activities. I use age-appropriate tools and techniques to help them explore their emotions, build coping skills, and address any trauma or challenges they may be facing. I also work closely with caretakers to provide support and ensure continuity of care.
“The moment I reconciled with my inner wisdom was really powerful and comforting.”
– Wendy (pseudonym)
Art therapy is not about “being good at art”, it’s more about learning to trust the process.
Our Past Collaboration
Advocacy Work
Facilitating a psycho-educational workshop for Gen Z participants in Da Nang, focusing on self-regulation and seeking help.
I have had the previlege to deliver trauma-informed training to organizations, like UNDP Vietnam, and LGBTIQ+ rights collectives across Vietnam. Recently, I have collaborated with 3 feminist groups and ISEE VN to address activism burnout.
Since 2021, we have been organizing an annual free summit on mental health named Co Hieu Co Thuong, with the goal of making mental health more accessible and relatable to the Vietnamese community in Vietnam and all over the world, successfully reaching over 11,000 participants after 4 seasons.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE ARRIVED.
Professional art therapy service in Vietnam since 2020
Contact
maitrivietnam@gmail.com
Working Hours
9AM-5PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday.