Therapeutic Photography
Therapeutic Photography
The camera on our phones can be a valuable tool for psychotherapy, helping us explore ourselves, cope with anxiety and depression, and even function as art therapy. As a digital self-care practice, photography offers benefits for mental well-being. Our photos reflect our state of mind.
Therefore, changes in colors, composition, or flattening the composition may be indicators of depression. Here are some ideas on how to use photography to enhance your health and well-being:
Photography as Art Therapy: In times of depression, anxiety, and procrastination, we often find ourselves stuck in rigid patterns of endless rumination. Photography can help us see the world from a new perspective, reframing it, discovering the hidden, novel, and unique aspects of each day. Photography allows us to express our emotions without words, as Horace put it, "A picture is a poem without words." We can imbue our lives with new meanings, weaving new narratives through photography and descriptions.
Photography as Mindfulness Practice: Taking photographs can also become a form of meditation. It allows you to be in the present moment, appreciate its beauty, and accept the world as it is, without judgment or an urge to change it. Shifting your focus from internal experiences to the external world can bring relief.
Selfies and Self-Portraits: Photo sessions have a therapeutic effect. A talented photographer can emphasize your features, highlight your strengths, and reveal your beauty. Many people experience a similar therapeutic effect when creating magical avatars with Lensa AI, trying on new images, and making their self-image brighter and clearer. Self-portraits boost self-confidence, invigorate you, help you recognize your potential, and stimulate reflection: Who was I in the past, who am I today, and who will I be in the future? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Do not be afraid of unsuccessful selfies; often, realizing what you dislike about yourself can help you understand and open up space for renewal or catharsis.
Photography as Positive Psychotherapy: By paying more attention to positive emotions and what triggers them, we can intensify these emotions and prolong their aftertaste, making the good moments more memorable. Studies suggest that photographing everything that makes you happy and sharing it with others is beneficial. Take pictures of what you are grateful for, the beauty you discovered today, the gratitude you felt, the places and people that made you feel good, what inspired you and made your day a bit happier and better.
How to use your photos as therapy in an app?
Create a card from a photo that evokes emotion in you, such as a sunset and awe. The first side of the card is a general photo and description of what you saw. The second side is a separate detail of the photo or your selfie and your feelings - admiration for the great beauty and grandeur of nature, awe, goosebumps, joy from every day of life.
The daily digital practice as a form of self-care: Using photography for everyday well-being. Health. 2019;23(6):621-638.
Navigating the complexity of the therapeutic and clinical use of photography in psychosocial settings: a review of the literatureRes Psychother. 2018 Apr 12; 21(1): 293.
Therapeutic Photography: Enhancing Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy and Resilience Neil Gibson
The self portrait, a powerful tool for self-therapy European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling Pages 51-61 | Received 31 Oct 2008, Accepted 15 Dec 2008
Using photographic methods in the mental health field: An integrative reviewJanuary 2022 Psicologia - Teoria e Prática 24(1)