Chairs of the Mind
Now on display in a Sydney clinic

Statement
In periods of crisis, how do we process emotional pain? Who do we turn to for help, healing and hope?

To me, psychotherapists are secular healers of the mind. They propose the ‘talking cure’ in a sacrosanct space free of moral judgement. Through dialogue, therapist and client explore developing self-awareness and positive mental health, making life changes, and resolving psychosocial and conflictual issues.

My origami therapy chairs are folded from my therapist’s handwritten notes, as well as my personal journals, correspondence and journal articles. Each chair captures the content and duration of a single session. The doll’s house references the repetitive nature of psychotherapy and the significance of childhood markers.

This work is a tribute to a profession rooted in empathy and discretion.

Dimensions
148 x 106 x 10 cm

Materials
Psychotherapy notes, correspondence, journal articles, perspex, balsa wood, and glue.

Perspex grid
Wayne Scales and Johnny Tesoriero from FX Plastics

Photography
Felicity Jenkins

Acknowledgements
With thanks to:
- Michael Armstrong, Charlie Ellis, Adrian Jollow, and Michael Mullins.
- The Sydney BAG (Book Art Group).
- John Bushell, Annie Damelet, Liese Howard, Paul Smole, Sue Paull, and Themistos Themistou.