In our latest interview, we’d like to introduce you to Franziska van Nguyen. An online art therapist based in Germany, Franziska shares her journey and what brought her to offer online art therapy to clients around the world. She has been part of the LIT Community for over three years now, and her journey into this work combines creativity, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of art to support emotional well-being.
There’s no single way to become a location independent therapist, and Franziska’s journey is a great reminder of this. Franziska’s story also shows that building a portable practice often takes time, courage, and a willingness to carve your own path. Read on to hear more about her journey!
Below, you can watch the full video of our conversation, or scroll down to read the written interview.
How Franziska became an online art therapist
Franziska’s path to becoming a location independent therapist has taken a few twists and turns, and we know this will resonate with many in our community.
Before becoming a therapist, Franziska spent more than a decade working in an art supply store. It was there that she discovered how much she enjoyed supporting others as they pursued their creative goals. She found herself having thoughtful, reflective conversations with customers about their projects and creative process, and it sparked something in her.
That experience planted the seed for a bigger shift and a new professional direction. She decided to return to study and train as an art therapist, combining her love for creativity with a desire to support others in a more intentional way.
Franziska dedicated herself to her studies, focusing her thesis on how to deliver art therapy remotely. Now fully qualified, she works with clients around the world and is excited to bring this important work to even more people.
In addition to her 1:1 client work, Franziska also supports other therapists to become more confident in offering this approach in online settings and incorporate more creative techniques into their practices.
What drew Franziska to online art therapy in the first place?
Unlike many therapists who moved online out of necessity during the pandemic, Franziska went into her studies with a clear goal: to work remotely as an online art therapist. She wanted the freedom and flexibility of a location independent business from the beginning.
At the time, online art therapy wasn’t widely accepted in Germany (and is still seen as unconventional even now). In fact, when Franziska asked about it at a university open day, she was told it wouldn’t work. But that didn’t deter her. She kept searching, and eventually, she found a program that was open to the idea.
Not only did Franziska complete her studies online, but she also focused her thesis on how art therapy can be delivered effectively in online settings. Today, she brings that expertise into her work with clients and supports other therapists who want to bring more creativity into their online sessions.
How does Online Art Therapy work, and who can it help?
Franziska offers resource-oriented art therapy, supporting clients who are looking to explore themselves on a deeper level. Many of her clients have tried other types of therapy but still feel something is missing. Through art, they’re able to access different insights and uncover new ways of relating to their experiences.
A typical session starts with a prompt to inspire creativity. That’s followed by 40-50 minutes of art-making, using the materials the client has on hand, and then time to reflect and process what emerged.
Franziska sees this process as collaborative and exploratory. It’s less about the final product and more about what comes up along the way.
Where are Franziska’s clients based?
Franziska works with people all over the world. She’s excited to bring art therapy to those who may not otherwise have access to a therapist in their area. Many people live in places where accessing art therapy is difficult. Working online gives Franziska the freedom to reach people who might otherwise not be able to access this kind of support.
She’s passionate about making creative therapy more accessible, both for clients and for therapists who want to incorporate it into their work.
What challenges has Franziska faced along the way as an online art therapist?
Building an online practice while studying hasn’t been easy. Not only has Franziska had to stay on top of her studies, but she’s been doing it alongside learning how to start a business.
Becoming a business owner isn’t easy, quick, or straightforward. She has juggled a lot all at once, from developing her website from scratch to figuring out how to prioritise tasks and file her taxes – all without burning out.
It’s safe to say that becoming self-employed has been a huge shift for Franziska. Having the LIT Community to lean on during this time has been a great support. From the coworking sessions (to carve out time to work on her business) to the monthly happy hour events (to celebrate her progress and share any struggles), Franziska has found the LIT Community to be a consistent source of motivation and clarity.
A helpful practice
While it’s been a steep learning curve at times, Franziska has found ways to stay grounded along the way. One practice that makes a big difference is keeping a “done today” list.
Instead of focusing only on her to-do list, Franziska writes down everything she accomplishes each day, big or small. It’s a simple shift, but one that helps her celebrate progress and be gentler with herself when things feel overwhelming.
If you also struggle with feeling like you’re never doing enough, you might like to give it a try!
Franziska’s biggest achievement (so far!)
Without hesitation, Franziska says her biggest achievement is simply that she’s done it. She made the leap into a new profession, committed to four years of study, and slowly but surely built a business from the ground up.
There’s still plenty to learn and progress to make, of course. But when she looks back at how far she’s come, from wondering if online art therapy was even possible to now supporting others on the same path, it’s clear she’s created something meaningful.
Finding support on this journey
Like many of us, Franziska didn’t set out to become a business owner. She joined the LIT Community looking for support around the business and legal aspects of running a location independent practice – especially navigating the complex regulations in Germany.
But what she found was more than just information. Over the past three years, the LIT Community has been a place of connection, encouragement, and accountability for Franziska.
Franziska loves the peer supervision sessions, which have supported her clinical development and broadened her perspective by exposing her to a wide range of approaches. She also values the Hot Seat Coaching and Ask Me Anything sessions which offer insight, even when she’s just listening in.
For Franziska, being part of LIT has helped her feel less alone in the process. She’s found structure and encouragement to carry her through moments of doubt, and she’s celebrated her wins in the community, too.
Franziska’s Advice for Fellow Therapists
If you’re a creative therapist thinking about moving your work online, Franziska wants you to know it’s possible – and that you can make it happen, too!
Yes, there are challenges. But it’s also an opportunity to connect with clients in new and powerful ways – and to do work that feels aligned with your values and lifestyle.
You don’t have to do it alone, either. You can find support within the LIT Community, which exists to support therapists navigating the clinical, practical, and mindset challenges of running an online practice.
If this sounds like something you would benefit from too, we’d love for you to join us inside the LIT Community – sign up here to start your free 1-week trial!
And in particular, Franziska would love for more creative and art therapists to join the LIT Community – so if that’s you, here’s your invitation.
Franziska’s story is just one example of how a location independent practice can take shape, and a reminder that with the right support, your vision is absolutely within reach!
Where to find Franziska
You can connect with Franziska on her:
Are you an art or creative therapist offering online therapy, or considering it? We’d love to hear from you – let us know in the comments. Want to meet more inspiring therapists like Franziska? Browse our LIT Interview Series here!
