Union Square, 2005
Initial Intake examines the chairs and office surroundings of Manhattan-based psychotherapy professionals from the point of view of their clients. From this vantage point I wish to reference the perceptions, associations, and responses to this very private environment, and the work that takes place there.
For many, the role of the psychotherapist holds significant weight, and the importance given to him/her is one of profound influence in many of our lives. Viewers are encouraged to consider the inherent personality in each of these environments, and the place of power being held, quite literally, across from them, on a regular basis.
I am particularly interested in the existence of a dyadic relationship between practitioner and client, one not always considered in traditional modalities of treatment.
My immediate family is made up of psychotherapists. This work stems from a life-long interest in psychology and the desire to effectively understand and resolve long-term challenges by examining patterns within personal and familial history. This project grew directly out of my response to one particular therapeutic relationship and the necessity of questioning the efficacy and treatment of working with that practitioner.
New York photographer Saul Robbins is interested in the ways people move through, relate to, and occupy their surroundings, and the psychological dynamics of intimacy; and his photographs are motivated by personal experience and observations of human behavior.
Upper East Side, 2008
Union Square, 2005
Columbus Circle, 2006
Columbus Circle, 2006
Upper West Side, 2008
Greenwich Village, 2008
Upper East Side, 2008
Upper West Side, 2006
Upper East Side, 2008
Midtown, 2008
Flatiron, 2007
Union Square, 2008
Upper West Side, 2008
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
A very compelling concept for a project.
All look pretty comfy, but the chairs and indeed the offices set up surprisingly different situations for what one imagines are very intense experiences – it’s the variety that’s interesting for those of us who haven’t been closer to a shrink than those episodes of the “The Sopranos.”
“Upper West Side, 2008″ would be my favorite. But from my experience it’s good if you do not sleep on chair… Psychotherapy session is not always hypnotherapy session.