Soul Cafe Series

Ang Hart's "Soul Cafe" series is a deeply personal exploration informed by her roles as a psychologist, an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing*) Consultant, mother and Artivist (Artist + Activist).

This collection, awash in bold pink, orange, and black hues, delves into the intricate tapestry of mental well-being, echoing the transformative and restorative power of EMDR therapy, which Ang herself has found invaluable in her trauma-healing journey.

EMDR employs bilateral stimulation to engage the brain's working memory, effectively reducing distress linked to trauma and pathogenic memories. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, Ang is passionately committed to challenging and shifting ingrained societal norms, patriarchal values, and toxic positivity that often take root in childhood.

As an artivist, she employs her unique blend of art and psychology to confront and change misogynistic cultures, advocate for social change, and empower future generations.

Through her "Soul Cafe" series, Ang invites viewers to connect with their own emotions, question entrenched beliefs, and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.

*More about EMDR at the base of this page.

* EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a transformative approach to psychotherapy that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating trauma and various mental health conditions. Discovered by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tactile taps, to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences more adaptively. By accessing and reprocessing traumatic memories, EMDR assists in reducing the emotional intensity and negative beliefs associated with them, leading to symptom relief and improved overall well-being.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EMDR therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, and other trauma-related conditions. For instance, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that EMDR was as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating PTSD (Van Etten & Taylor, 1998). Another study highlighted in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research showed that EMDR therapy significantly reduced symptoms of depression in individuals with a history of childhood trauma (Hase et al., 2008).

What makes EMDR truly remarkable is its ability to facilitate rapid healing and transformation by targeting the root of psychological distress rather than merely managing symptoms. By integrating cognitive restructuring, somatic awareness, and bilateral stimulation, EMDR offers a holistic approach to healing that empowers individuals to overcome the limitations imposed by past traumas and live more fulfilling, resilient lives.

Van Etten, M. L., & Taylor, S. (1998). Comparative efficacy of treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54(5), 547-559. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4679(199808)54:5

Hase, M., Schallmayer, S., Sack, M., & Ehring, T. (2008). The efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of depression. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(4), 315-325. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.4.315