Therapists working in the Conversational Model draw from a number of sources of experience and creative endeavour. The use of such sources suggests that therapists recognise some form of crossover between the goals of therapeutic, dyadic sharing and the value bestowed on aspects of subjectivity by creative engagements.
In this talk, we offer analyses related to three aspects of such a crossover:
a) what reasons have been proposed by practitioners (i.e.. Meares and his colleagues) for the efficacy of artistic values in therapeutic method and in a therapeutic relationship?
b) what role do analogical ‘leaps’ have in the discourse between therapists and patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
c) what do current theories of art and science suggest about a resonance between mental health and ‘poiesis’ – or inspired making and accomplishment?
We offer reasons and illustrations of why verbal arts and the coherence sought in the articulation of scientific theories (viz. in verbal science) bear a ‘family resemblance’ to the decision making we see in therapeutic dyadic exchanges. The transcripts of therapists working with patients suffering from BPD show that the challenge of poiesis is the making of oneself. Meanings have to provide the catalyst in a previously inert core.
