Relationship experts often say that a healthy partnership consists of three parts: You, Me, and “The Relationship.”
We call the relationship “The Third Entity.” It is a living thing that you have built together. But in the busyness of daily life—between work, chores, and responsibilities—this Third Entity often gets neglected. It becomes a place of logistics rather than a sanctuary.
Creating a Sanctuary Together How do you care for something you can’t see? In Art Therapy, we make the invisible visible. By creating art together, you are literally building a “Third Entity” on the canvas. This shared creation becomes a tangible representation of your bond.
One of our favorite exercises is creating a “Shared Safe Space.” We invite couples to imagine and draw a place where both of them would feel completely at peace.
- Does your safe space have walls or open windows?
- Is it a beach or a mountain cave?
- How do you combine your different needs into one cohesive image?
Why This Matters This isn’t just drawing; it is a practice in negotiation, compromise, and co-regulation. It allows you to step out of the “You vs. Me” dynamic and enter a “We” state.
- Restore Playfulness: Research shows that couples who play together stay together. Art is structured play that releases dopamine and lowers stress.
- Visualizing the Future: Creating a shared vision board or collage helps align your goals, reminding you that you are on the same team.
Don’t wait for a crisis to tend to your relationship. Booking a creative session is a powerful way to say, “What we have built is beautiful, and it deserves our attention.”