Linda Gerson-on Melding Art and Psychotherapy

Art and friendship are absolutely connected... Friendship is, after all, sharing a deep part of your self with another person and receiving the same back. 

(Nina Allen Freeman)

  As an oil painter and a psychotherapist I have often been asked how my art influences my counseling or whether I do art therapy with my clients, or whether psychology is integrated into my art in some way. I have always had a standard reply that I maintain clear boundaries between my art and psychotherapy. Coming from a traditionally trained school which decades ago frowned upon a therapist disclosing much about their personal lives, I have been slow to disclose my art life to my clients, including my identity as the artist of the paintings which hang in my therapy office. I originally sought art as a means of self- care from the intensity of the work I was doing. Only gradually did art evolve into a necessity, a passion, a means to augment my income.

 
  In being asked to be a guest blogger by Janet, I started to think more about my art and my work as a therapist and realized I had overlooked some interesting connections. (Connection being the key concept!) The art that most inspires me is something with which I find a personal connection, whether it is my own or another artist. If someone approaches me to paint a certain subject or hands me a photograph of something they think would look well in paint, I am left cold; because it has not evoked a personal response. 
  Most of the subject matter that I paint is derived from my own personal space or garden or experience in nature. It is only then that the paint can sometimes fly off the brush and come from a place within that I can only wonder about.

  Similarly, my work with clients goes nowhere if there is no personal connection between the client and myself. It matters little about my experience or techniques if the client does not get a feeling of being liked, valued and respected from the onset. The work that ensues comes from the relationship that is forged. Like the magic of a painting being created, there is magic in those moments of feeling understood and experiencing something in a new light.

  Both art and psychotherapy are not just things I do but experiences which feed me, encourage growth and new ways of being in the world. The two form a balance that feels healthy. Both feel deeply personal, require good intention, honesty to see what is, and sometimes a certain amount of discomfort. I feel humbled and grateful to be able to do what I love.

Many thanks to my friend Janet Ledoux who offered me this opportunity to share some thoughts.


  Linda Gerson resides in Wells, Maine and has a studio in her home. She is the founder of the “One O’clock Group” a monthly critique group which includes members who studied at Maine College of Art with Janet Manyan. Some of her oil paintings are currently exhibited at The Whitney Galleries in Wells, and Nancy’s Catering and Café in York. More of her work can be seen at www.yessy.com/LindaGerson

All paintings this blog © Linda Gerson, all rights reserved.