Incorporating Photography as a Therapeutic Tool in Counseling

Abstract

Over a period of 150 years, photographic images have contributed to how we see and think about the world, ourselves, and others. Individuals who are particularly resistant to therapy and those who communicate better with the use of visual aids may not benefit from standard counseling practices alone. Although verbal communication is vital in most forms of therapy, several alternative expressive therapies are available. As a form of complementary and alternative therapy, photography has shown to be beneficial for individuals who express themselves more adequately with visual aids. As an expression of reality, photography assists the rehabilitation counseling process and has been implemented in various therapeutic settings. This article also describes several international organizations that encourage and support the use of phototherapy for rehabilition of people in need.

KEYWORDS:

• phototherapy
• counseling
• CAM
• rehabilitation
• RTP
• art therapy
• creativity