In a Third Space: Working with Writers and Artists

In the artist of all kinds I think one can detect an inherent dilemma, which belongs to the co-existence of two trends, the urgent need to communicate and the still more urgent need not to be found. This might account for the fact that we cannot conceive of an artist's coming to the end of the task that occupies his whole nature. (Winnicott, 1963, p. 185)

In his paper ‘On communication’, Winnicott argues that at the centre of the healthy personality is a construct similar to the true self of the split personality, which remains silent, does not communicate, is unfound. The paradox of human relating is our simultaneous desire to communicate and relate as fully as possible, to be recognized and known, while also needing to remain hidden, to live in our central and unique self. Winnicott sees this not as defensive, but as the healthy knowledge of what is specific to the self.

The psychotherapist's task includes interpreting the defences that block creative living to enable the development of richer and healthier relationships and self expression. Much of this work takes place in the transference, although not necessarily through its interpretation. The language and the silence of both therapist and client are significant media of communication in therapy. All too often, the silence of the therapist is thought of as attentive, non-intrusive, and thoughtful, while the client's lack of verbal communication may be regarded as defensive. However, there are occasions of deep silence in therapy that are not defensive on either side. Significantly, towards the end of a successful therapy, silence may be taken to indicate an acceptance of being together that does not need words. The quality and nature of such a silence is clear in the experience of therapist and client as they feel gratitude and peace-fulness in their capacity to be with each other for a time without the need of explanation or comment. This restful and creative silence differs greatly from the angry, defensive si