Photography As Therapy
Photography is a visual medium used to capture images. These images are used as tools in phototherapy sessions for many applications, such as healing, stress relief, understanding the world of others, and self-discovery. Like how art therapists might ask a person to provide reactions to an artwork, the concept of phototherapy is to evoke deep insight and gain reactions, feelings, and memories. There are multiple forms of therapy that utilizes photography. Therapeutic photography is the personal use of photography for self-discovery, social, or artistic purposes. This is done without a therapist. An artform for self-awareness, creative expression, and self-directed therapy and wellness. Photo-art Therapy. Uses photos as an art medium. In contrast to phototherapy, this use of photography involves art making during the session and may involve experiences in learning photographic techniques or associated art skills. Can be categorized as a subcategory of phototherapy.
Photography Cont.
Therapists have deployed many different methods to help achieve the goal of their patients. Photography can be arranged and rearranged to develop a sense of order, pose/control objects, creating a new reality, stopping time, capture the sensations and feelings, restore forgotten memories. Patients can express creative self-expression, enabling people to achieve a sense of self. Helps people realize their creative way of life. Through photography, new skills can be learned, and an improved sense of confidence and self-esteem may be gained.