Ariel Landrum , a certified art therapist, invited teens to create a chart of their recovery when she worked with them at a residential facility several years ago.
Journey through photos. In recovery facilities, cameras are not permitted for reasons of confidentiality. I remember when I was 17 and hospitalized with OCD, that cameras were strictly prohibited. Landrum was able to use photography therapy in this environment: “While the photos did not feature them directly, they captured their feelings and emotions.” Activities You can also find out more about the following: You can also find out more about us on our website. She tells me that she helps people visualize their way to healing.
Landrum’s practice has always incorporated creative and inspiring photography into her work with adults and teens. She has invited veterans to use cameras as a way of processing moral injury. She encouraged adults to embrace their inner child by taking pictures from the perspective of children. She encourages trans clients, as part of her gender-affirming therapy work, to visualize themselves through collage and self-portraits.
Therapists are constantly finding new ways to use photography as a tool for healing, recovery and introspection. We spoke with a group of professionals from diverse backgrounds–ranging from art therapists to MDs to hypnotherapists–about photography, therapy, and the surprising ways in which they overlap in their day-to-day work with clients.
Recalling memories
Marissa Moore is a Missouri-licensed professional counselor and therapist. Instead of telling her clients to create new photos, she encourages them instead to bring photographs that they already have. This can include family photos, childhood photos, photos of significant events in life, or photographs of important objects or places.
Moore explains that by sharing photos, we can explore stories and experiences and deepen understanding of the client’s journey. We can explore the meaning and context of each photograph and the emotions they evoke. This can reveal underlying themes, patterns or connections relevant to current goals or struggles.
The client is in complete control of what they share and no one can make them feel uncomfortable. It is important to create an environment that allows people to express themselves and explore their feelings in a supportive and safe space.
Priscilla Priscilla Priscilla Priscilla is a therapist Priscilla Priscilla who works in New York, New Jersey and Washington DC. She also uses childhood and family photos. She says that clients bring in old family photos as a means to access memories and gain insight into their past selves.
These photos can evoke feelings and sensations which may have been forgotten or buried. Looking at pictures of themselves as a certain age can help clients reconnect with their younger self and understand their feelings, thoughts, hopes and needs. This can provide insights into the client’s current behavior and patterns.”
Create a safe environment through photography therapy
Chin says, “I encourage my clients to create a collage with photos that represent feelings of comfort, safety and joy.” This is a great way to visualize their safe space. The client can include pictures of objects, places, or spaces that bring peace to their mind, like an old teddy, a place in nature, or even a mentor. The client can add affirmations by adding images that represent their values and strengths. “Adding to the collage allows it to grow as a symbol of their inner healing and growth.”