About Alyse

Alyse Ruriani (she/they) is a wearer of many (metaphorical) hats, some of which include: illustrator/graphic designer, art therapist/counselor, advocate/activist, and a person with lived experience. She holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art and an MA in Art Therapy and Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a clinician, Alyse primarily works with queer young adults to deepen their understanding of themselves, navigate life stressors, and work through trauma, insecure attachment, and more. They utilize a person-centered, anti-oppressive, relational-cultural approach to therapy and incorporate principles and values from harm reduction, attachment theory, DBT, and Health at Every Size frameworks. As a designer, Alyse creates, shares, and sells her illustrations on topics related to mental health, self & community care, body positivity and social justice in addition to doing freelance design for related organizations and companies. As an advocate/activist and person with lived experience, she writes, publishes, consults, and speaks about her experiences in person and on the internet. And as a human, Alyse combines all of their hats to try and help build a better world.

 

Education

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with a Minor in Book Arts and Culture & Politics from the Maryland Institute College of Art in May 2017 

  • Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in August 2020

Awards

 

About the Business

There's one person behind all of this– me! As a disabled neurodivergent artist who also has a full time job that requires a lot of energy, it can take me longer to get orders out, but I do my best! Your patience and support is extra helpful as my symptoms and ability ebb and flow. I appreciate you!

Disclaimer

None of my artwork or self-help tools are intended to replace a therapeutic relationship or professional mental health care or treatment.