It's important to remember that therapeutic photography is not about creating technically perfect or aesthetically pleasing photographs. Instead, the emphasis is on the personal and emotional significance of the images.
So what exactly is it?
Therapeutic photography involves using photography as a tool for personal exploration and reflection to increase self knowledge, improve awareness, wellbeing, health outcomes and often relationships.
Here are some key aspects of therapeutic photography:
Self-Expression and Exploration:
Therapeutic photography allows individuals and groups to express themselves and explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through the act of taking and reflecting on photographs.
Mindfulness and Awareness:
Engaging in the process of capturing images can promote mindfulness and awareness. It encourages us to pay attention to our surroundings, thoughts, and feelings in the present moment.
Narrative and Storytelling:
Sometimes we can express in images, what cannot be expressed in words. Photographs can serve as visual narratives, telling stories about our life, experiences, and emotions. Exploring and discussing these images can facilitate storytelling and self-discovery.
Symbolism and Metaphor:
Therapeutic photography often involves the use of symbols and metaphors in photographs. The images captured may represent deeper emotions or experiences that are challenging to express verbally.
Empowerment and Self-Esteem:
Engaging in a creative process like photography can empower us and boost self-esteem. It provides a sense of accomplishment and control over the creative process.
Reflection and Insight:
Reflecting on captured images can lead to insights and a deeper understanding of our emotions, relationships, and personal challenges. Therapists may guide individuals through discussions about the meaning behind specific photographs.
Group and Community Engagement:
Therapeutic photography can be used in group settings, allowing individuals to share their experiences and learn from each other. This communal aspect can foster a sense of support and connection.
Art-Based Interventions:
Therapeutic photography falls under the broader category of art-based interventions, which recognise the healing potential of creative processes in promoting mental health and well-being.
It's important to note that therapeutic photography is not about creating technically perfect or aesthetically pleasing photographs; instead, the emphasis is on the personal and emotional significance of the images.
It’s also important to note that while the process can have therapeutic effects, it is not in itself, or a substitute for therapy with a trained clinician or mental health professional. However, it can also be used alongside traditional therapy.
Therapeutic photography can provide us with many benefits, By harnessing the power of visual expression and creativity we can improve our emotional and psychological well-being.
While some have already been mentioned, here are some more benefits of Therapeutic Photography
Empowerment:
The process of creating and reflecting on our images can empower us, providing a sense of control, agency, and accomplishment.
Narrative and Storytelling:
Photographs can allow us to tell stories about our lives, experiences, and challenges. Through these narratives, not only do we make sense of our experience, but it can help us tap into strengths or resources that we hadn't realised before.
Stress Reduction:
Engaging in a creative activity like photography can serve as a form of stress relief. It offers us a break from daily pressures, and tap into a side of ourselves that we may not have had the opportunity to explore before, but had wanted to, contributing to overall well-being.
Enhanced Communication:
Sometimes we can find it challenging to express ourselves through words. No matter how hard we try, words are simply not enought to convey how we really feel. They say that a picture speaks a thousand words. Therapeutic photography provides an alternative mode of communication that can be more accessible and comfortable.
Community Connection:
In group settings, therapeutic photography can create a sense of community and shared experience. It gives us an opportuniy to connect and support each other. Plus learning from each others experiences.
Personal Growth:
The process of self-reflection and exploration through photography can contribute to personal growth, helping us to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, our life journey and creating our preferred future that lies ahead.
There are two different options, and depending on your current circumstances, one of these will be a good fit for you. Each approach has it's own unique benefits. There are currently two Therapeutic Photography groups available.
Therapeutic Photography Groups 2024
Day of Reflection
Start date: 3rd March
Location: In person / Online
The 3rd of March is a National Day of Reflection is a special moment to remember everyone that died during the pandemic. However, even if someone you cared about didn't die during the pandemic, for many of us it was a time of great change. In one way of another, for better or worse, our lives will never be the same.
This Therapeutic Photography Group programe provides an opportunity to both reflect, and imagine a desired future after the pandemic. In these 5 session spread over several weeks, you will get a chance to explore what matters to you, in a supported and faciliated environment.
Memories & Souvenirs
Start date: 8th September
Location: In person / online
It is estimated that over 50 million people live with dementia worldwide. While the 21st September is World Alzheimers day which aims to raise awarness and demystify the condition, this therapeutic photography project is for the families, and friends (who often act as carers) who's needs are often forgotten, understood or simply belittled and ignored. As the condition progesses, it's not uncommon to feel a sense of grief at the loss of losing the person you knew, or the life you once had with them.
Over six sessions, you will get to explore all this and more, in a safe, supported environment. While this is not a substitue for therapy with a trained mental health or clinical professional, through this Therapeutic Therapy group you may find that through the creative process your wellbeing is improved.
How Do I Get Involved?
Fill out the contact form below, stating which Therapeutic Photography group you are interested in. The details for the group and registration will be released 2 -3 weeks prior to the start of the program.
Thank you!
If you are interested in a more personal 1:1 approach, then private sessions may be more suited to you. These can be in person, online or a combination of both. Fill out contact form below, telling me more about your situation and what you are looking for.
If appropriate, we'll then get you booked in for a complimentary consultation and take a deep dive into your situation and how Therapeutic Photography might help you. So get in touch, and lets tap into your creative side.
Thank you!