Healing and Empowerment: Utilizing Photography in Therapy
FAQ:
Do I need to be a photographer to experience healing through photo therapy? Actually, no! Being open to the creative healing process is the only requirement.
Do I need a fancy camera? Most everyone has a phone that takes great pictures. Healing comes from the process of seeing, experiencing, and capturing images through your own “lens” rather than focusing on the equipment used in the process.
Do I have to participate in photo therapy if I work with you? Photo therapy is an option for us to explore in our work together.
“When unpleasant thoughts persistently clouded my mind or disturbing emotions drained away my vital strength, I felt compelled sometimes to grab my camera and roam the streets or wander about in some natural setting. Invariably my unpleasant mood would soon yield to a lightheartedness and a sense of being grounded. It was though the constriction of being trapped in an enclosed, fragile self had been transcended by a sudden opening into the surrounding world.” ~Philippe L. Gross, from the Tao of Photography
Why photography?
When words fail us in expressing our feelings, photography can help us process both implicit and explicit meaning of our experiences. We have control over what we choose to photograph and how we interpret the meaning of our image. Empowerment comes from choosing our story through imagery rather than our story choosing us. The images we capture can be the starting point in understanding and processing our thoughts and feelings. Each of us has a unique way of looking at the world, and photography can be a great tool for self exploration, healing, and growth.
Some thoughts on how photography can help in the therapeutic process:
Capturing an image gives space to observe the emotion rather than identifying with it
Photography is a form of mindfulness, being in the moment
When in the process of capturing an image you are in the present moment and are less likely to experience the inner chatter that can be distressing
Transferring your internal world into an image helps us to ground into the present moment and feel more connected and safe within the world we inhabit
