ABSTRACT
The art therapy was introduced slightly before the long break towards the end of the third year of therapy. The introduction of the art therapy was going to prove to be very powerful to the work, and aided the course of the therapy dramatically. Initially it was introduced as a way of providing Jane with some therapeutic support during the winter while I was going to be away. In discussing the gap at the end of the third year of the therapy, Jane
suggested doing some art therapy, as a ‘holding’ possibility. It was her idea. Rather naïvely, I think, we both initially thought of it as something different, creative and in some ways lighter – a form of ‘play’ therapy, in preference to the long, dark trips to London in the middle of winter to see another talking therapist, who would keep focusing her on her distress and sense of abandonment. It seemed to both of us that Jane could engage in a possibly
colourful and enjoyable activity. Neither of us could predict what was going to be opened up and unleashed in that work; further, she suggested starting the art therapy some time before I left, seeing both of us for a while. The early letters which refer to the art therapy were while I was still
in London, as Jane decided to begin working with an art therapist before I left. I saw this as her needing support and encouragement from me to begin this new venture.
