Image:  'Nana's House' by Deba Salim

The idea of Winnicott Wednesdays formed when a group of artists training to become art psychotherapists at Goldsmiths University began to meet most weeks (usually on a Wednesday) to debrief on their personal and collective experiences of the course; to try to make sense of psychoanalysis and art; and to attempt to reconcile the ongoing, often conflicting nature of the dual roles of artist and art therapist. As we negotiated our quite often baffling emotional reactions and responses to the subject matter of the training we began to form friendships... these regular meetings became known as ‘Winnicott Wednesdays’. The group is an open collective of like minded individuals working together to create art and continue our discourse.

"This group of artists embody something particular and distinctive about this realm of practice. I am impressed by these imaginative responses; developing beyond their initial training. Their collaboration opens up a dynamic and reflexive view progressing explorations into the essence and potential of art psychotherapy as a way to communicate, understand and transform experience in both intimate and political dimensions. ​This work reflects how art psychotherapy is numinous as well as tangible. It opens up thinking, expression and experience. I am heartened by the work of the 'Winnicott Wednesdays' collaboration. It creates a place that connects and supports people. It is a testament to being responsive to the 'vulnerable' self as well as to others. And to thinking critically about experience and the significance of context".

Dr Jill Westwood
Programme Convenor: MA Art Psychotherapy
Goldsmiths University