Alyse Ruriani is an artist, a therapist, and the synthesis of the two. Her creative practice and clinical work focus on personal meaning-making, creative self-expression, and cultivating a sense of belonging within and beyond oneself. Alyse 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. They provide individual and group therapy at Rowan Tree Counseling, offer creative workshops and speaking engagements, and sell their own artwork out of their brand Heart Eyes. Alyse lives in a colorful, trinket-adorned Chicago apartment with her black cat, Boo.