Alyse Ruriani is an artist, a therapist, and the synthesis of the two. Her creative practice and clinical work focus on meaning-making, creative self-expression, and cultivating a sense of connection and belonging. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is the author-illustrator of The Big Feelings Survival Guide, a creative workbook for mental health. She provides individual and group therapy at Rowan Tree Counseling, facilitates creative workshops and events in the community, and creates illustrations for freelance projects and her own brand, Heart Eyes. Alyse lives in a colorful, trinket-adorned Chicago apartment with her black cat, Boo.