Table of Contents

Accompanied Painting

Accompanied Painting was born in 1965 in Switzerland by Dr.phil. Bettina Egger, student of Arno Stern, creator of the “Closlieu” in Paris in the 1940s. Starting from the assumption that tracing represents an archaic need of the human being and that through the universal language, which is drawing, every being can express itself in in a non-verbal and therefore more spontaneous and immediate manner, this method is particularly suitable for those who want to explore their inner world in a pleasant way.

Accompanied Painting stimulates perception, creativity and confidence in one’s own abilities, offering each person the opportunity to experiment, in a protected environment, with new things or to “play with colours” for the simple pleasure of perceiving the movements of the hand and the effect of shades.

Accompanied Painting means that the person is supported when they paint with the sole purpose of being encouraged and helped in coming into contact with their moods, needs, memories or emotions. The support therefore consists in re-reflecting what happens on the drawing in relation to what happens in the person while he paints.

The paintings are never interpreted or debated. It is rather a question of “clarifying” them or sometimes “putting them right”. The painting therefore has a central role in a completely individual path, oriented solely and exclusively to promoting personal growth.

Painting for children

Painting in the painting atelier gives every child the opportunity to regularly find their own “neverland” - that magical and childish place where everything is possible and nothing is obligatory, where space and time dissolve, where fantasy reigns and imagination and where - sheltered from interpretations, expectations and judgments - a spontaneous manifestation can arise in a unique, personal and at the same time universal language: the image.

It is neither about practicing art, nor about learning to draw, nor about studying artistic techniques; rather it is about nourishing an original need which is to “leave traces”, to “play painting” - and children still know how to play so naturally.

Painting for adults

Painting regularly in the Pitturatelier means taking care of your inner world: giving a voice to our dreams, our desires and, probably, also our anxieties and worries. By painting we can meet them, look at them, appreciate them as something personal, intimate and unique.

But don’t worry: we don’t interpret or even symbolize! It’s simply a matter of seizing that moment between one thought and another, giving it a color, a shape and then letting yourself be transported, surprised, remaining open and curious, observing the body’s signals and caring affectionately about what happens on the big stage. sheet of paper hanging on the wall.

I guarantee you that every painting becomes a journey, an adventure! You paint standing up and with your untrained hand (right-handed with left-handed and vice versa) – incredible but true… Try it!

What is LOM®?

LOM® stands for Lösungsorientiertes Malen, which means “painting solution oriented” in german. This is a recognized humanistic art therapy approach, developed in Switzerland by Dr.phil. Bettina Egger together with the psychologist Lic. Phil. Jörg Merz.

With this revolutionary method it is possible to change negative emotions and beliefs linked to symptoms, traumas, conflicts or anxieties… How? Simply through working on the image! Processing simple and clear images, which replace fragmented memories or oppressive imaginations, lightens the heart and spirit, creates optimism and trust and opens up new perspectives.

While Accompanied Painting can be considered an act of self-care, similar to regular yoga practice, which helps body and mind to remain flexible and face life with more energy and resilience, the LOM®-Method is comparable to the action of an osteopath or the physiotherapist who intervenes when we are unbalanced, blocked or if we have “sent a sprain” (in our case: experienced a wrong or a trauma).

Here, through painting with the LOM®-Method, it is possible to provide relief - in the jargon we say “putting interior images to rights”. In fact, more fitting than “finding solutions” would be the expression “replacing oppressive or upsetting images with calming and reassuring images”.

How the LOM®-Method working approach looks like

  • The first step consists in detailed identification of the issue that is the subject of discomfort. Then, the therapist, together with the client, finds a “task” to paint: with the unaccustomed hand, slowly and carefully, paying attention to the emotions and themes that arise during the painting activity.

  • Therapeutic work consists in observing and accompanying the painter with empathy; the patient must not at any time identify with the problem or symbolize it (e.g. black for death, a red rose for love, etc.).

  • For this reason we work with metaphors (from the Greek metafòra = to take elsewhere), that is, representations of objects that have no logical relationship with the problem. By doing so, and through standardized measurements during the painting process, the symptom - and with it the respective beliefs and fears - becomes visible (even if in a new form), aware, and slowly allows itself to be transformed…

  • Discomfort is “measured” throughout the process; the patient gives his own initial evaluation and then improvements are verified during the various phases.

Who is the LOM®-Method suitable for?

  • Adults
  • Does it work?

  • Since our problems to solve, or experiences to digest increase with age, Painting with the LOM®-Method is applied more frequently by adults.

  • However, it is suitable for all those who are looking for a form of brief therapy that is not based on a purely cognitive analysis, but which works through a creative means of expression.

  • LOM® is an unusual method, still little known in Italy, simple but powerful. It acts on the brain through visual stimuli, facilitating indicative and permanent improvements in the quality of life.

  • The effectiveness of the LOM®-Method is documented by several studies and confirmed by neuroscience.