Hong Kong & Taiwan: Workshops, Research & Reconnection

This June I am embarking on a trip to Hong Kong and Taiwan —  workshops, symposiums, research presentations, and reconnection with colleagues and communities I have had the privilege of working with over many years.

I am excited to be going and wanted to share what lies ahead.

Hong Kong | 4th –10th June 2026

I arrive in Hong Kong on the 4th June and will be delivering two intensive workshops in partnership with Art in Hospital — a wonderful organisation that brings art therapy and creative processes to people who are unwell and in hospital settings.

The first workshop, The Art of Heart-Centred Psychological First Aid, explores how we can offer grounded, compassionate, creative support in times of acute crisis and distress.

The second, The Art of Holding What Hurts, is a deep exploration of grief, loss, and bereavement — how we support others through some of the most difficult experiences of human life while caring for ourselves in the process.

If you are in Hong Kong, we would love to welcome you in person — there are still a few places available on these two upcoming courses.

Fiona Chang has been a wonderful colleague in the expressive arts field in Hong Kong, and Grace Chang — the director of Art in Hospital — is someone whose vision and leadership I find genuinely inspiring. To be returning to Hong Kong and to Art in Hospital, and to be reuniting with both of them, is something I have been looking forward to deeply.

Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart from my work there many years ago, and I am moved to be going back.

I begin with the Mekong Cultural Hub Symposium — Future Learning Systems - Education, social action and art in Asia.

This inter-sectoral, inter cultural and international meeting brings together universities, artists, cultural organisations and civil society groups for two days of talks, workshops and group discussions about the future of education for socially-engaged cultural practitioners in Asia.

At the symposium I will be presenting the research findings from our three-year project on Heart-Centred Psychological First Aid. I will also be facilitating a workshop for fellows attending the gathering, exploring the theme of Resilient Roots — how we stay strong, grounded, and resourced in times of crisis and challenge.

From 16th to 19th June I will then be joining the 2026 Asia-Pacific Psychological Association (APPA) Summit and Conference in Taiwan — a significant regional gathering that brings together psychology leaders and scholars from across the Asia-Pacific to explore psychological wellbeing, innovation, and social development. I will be contributing to panels and discussions as part of this event and sharing the work with MCH and The Blue Pearl Institute.

This trip feels like a real homecoming in many ways — returning to communities, colleagues, and conversations that have shaped so much of my work over the years, and bringing new programmes and research to share. I will be posting updates along the way and look forward to sharing more on my return.

With warmth and excitement,

Dr. Carolina Herbert
The Blue Pearl Institute for Expressive Arts: Therapy and Leadership