“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.
About Maitri VN
Maitri VN, /mai-tree vn/, is a mental health service dedicated to promoting emotional well-being and mental health awareness via creativity and trauma-informed approach in Vietnam.
Services include individual and group therapy, psycho-educational programs, and wellness retreats. In addition to therapeutic support, Maitri VN focuses on advocacy work through raising public awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting initiatives that foster mental wellness across Vietnamese communities. The aim is to create a compassionate, supportive and accessible space for healing, growth, and transformation.
Inclusivity and cultural sensitivity lie at the heart of Maitri VN’s values. As a trained therapist, I provide affirmative therapy for LGBTIQA+ clients, ensuring a safe and respectful environment. My practice is also informed by an ongoing commitment to decolonizing Western psychology, integrating culturally sensitive approaches that honor diverse experiences and perspectives.
My Philosophy
I do not view psychological symptoms as “impairments” or “flaws” but as invitations for individuals to reconnect with their true, authentic Self and live in greater alignment with their values and vocations. I believe in the innate capacity for growth and healing within every client who comes to me.
To support this journey, I integrate three core modalities—Art Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic Experiencing (SE)—to create a holistic, trauma-informed space for self-knowledge inquiry and personal transformation. While Art Therapy offers a creative and non-verbal way to access emotions and experiences that words alone may not fully capture, IFS helps building a nurturing relationship with inner parts. SE focuses on the body’s wisdom, releasing stored trauma and while restoring a sense of safety and well-being.
After 6 years of practice, I have learned that techniques are only secondary. At the heart of this process is our therapeutic relationship—a space of trust, empathy, and mutual respect. Together, we will create a supportive environment so you can come home to yourself.
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. I have completed Level 1 training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) with the IFS Institute and Intermediate Level in Somatic Experiencing (SE). Besides, I’ve been trained in Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experience (DARe), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Addiction-Informed Therapy and Affirmative Counseling for LGBTQ+ clients. These powerful modalities have allowed me to witness profound transformations in my clients and within myself. They help me customize my approach to suit each client’s unique needs, ensuring that our work together honors your personal journey, pace, and goals.
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.
My Services
Individual Clinical Art Therapy
Online & Offline
Community Art Therapy, Psycho-education Workshops & Events
Online & Offline
Organizational & Corporate Workshops, Training & Retreats
Online & Offline
Areas of Specialization
Over the course of six years, I have gained experience supporting clients through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. My areas of specialization include:
Trauma and Recovery
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Complex PTSD
- Developmental Trauma
- Childhood Abuse and Neglect
- Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse
- Substance Use & Addictive Behaviors.
Self-Destructive Behaviors and Crisis Support
- Self-Injury
- Suicidal Ideation
Mood and Anxiety
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Burnout, Compassion Fatigue
Identity, Relationships, and Life Transitions
- LGBTIQ+ Folks Navigating Relationships and Life Crises
- Trans Teens & Adults Navigating Gender Transition
- Support for Trans Folks’ Family Members
- Grief, Loss, and Life Transitions
- Bereavement
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.