The Role of Aesthetics in Treating Psychosis

Language ideologies, a field of linguistic anthropology, looks at the ways in which people’s beliefs about language influence their construction of social worlds. Visual anthropology looks at the ways in which spaces and... [ view full abstract ]

Language ideologies, a field of linguistic anthropology, looks at the ways in which people’s beliefs about language influence their construction of social worlds. Visual anthropology looks at the ways in which spaces and places are established aesthetically and how this takes on meaning in public spheres. This poster presentation explores uses of non-verbal representational language in a clinic that treats psychosis. The psychoanalysts at this clinic believe that aesthetics exceed what can be verbally depicted as important, through the creation of non-verbal but language-based representations of human experience.  They have intentionally curated a particular atmosphere in the building of the clinic, while giving art practices a central role in treatment.  In addition to attending regular psychoanalytic and counseling sessions, clinicians and patients believe that the development of artistic practice is essential for establishing a relationship to the social world.  This poster will make a visual display of the ways in which beliefs about non-representational language are reflected in the qualities of the clinic and the artistic practices of its patients.  It places presentation of patients’ artistic works and photographs of clinical environments alongside data describing beliefs about the role aesthetics plays in treatment processes.