When we think of photography, we often think of it as a way to document our memories and milestones. It can also assist an individual with healing and rehabilitation. Researchers have found that taking and sharing just one photo per day can potentially help everyone—no matter their mental health state. In particular, photography therapy is an engaging way for teens to share and document their feelings in a non-judgemental environment. At Destinations for Teens, we provide a variety of creative therapy programs such as art, dance, yoga, and surf. Our photography therapy program is popular among our teens at our facilities.
Art Therapy: Photography
All therapy has the goal of producing a change in its participants. With photography as therapy, teens can focus on their creativity while building positive differences in their lives. In addition, a trained professional therapist helps to guide and support the mental health process. As a form of art therapy, photography encourages teens to develop self-expression and individuality while understanding and appreciating photography without the pressures associated with social media. Phototherapy techniques can also help teens resolve personal emotional issues and substance use disorders.
What Happens in a Photography Therapy Program?
Through every step of the process to execute a photograph, the power of therapy is present. Here are some everyday activities that take place in a therapeutic photography program:
- Storytelling – Participants will take ten photographs before arranging the subjects, items, and details of the pictures to tell a story.
- Taking self-portraits – After taking self-portraits, teens reflect and work to build a positive self-image.
- Exploring textures – Textures allow teens to take notice of their environment. When feeling textures in their space, teens will take photos to document their emotions toward the physical sensations.
Photography as therapy is not exclusively photo-taking. It can include photo-interactive activities such as:
- Photo viewing
- Photo posing
- Photo planning
- Photo editing
- Photo development
- Remembering and imagining photographs
Why Should We Use Photography as Therapy?
Photography is fun! Your teen can completely control what they capture with every camera click. As a form of therapy, photography is an alternative way for teens to express themselves while bringing focus to positive experiences. Teens will be able to:
- Feel validated through their creativity
- Gain peace of mind through personal perspective and a feeling of self-accomplishment
- Improve interpersonal relationships
- Navigate their rehabilitation
- Strengthen their recovery
- Support peers in rehabilitation
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Resolve conflicts
- Build tangible skills to help healing and learning
Participate in Photography Therapy at Destinations for Teens
Creativity is one of the best ways to support teens undergoing rehabilitation. Creative expression has the power to help young adults overcome substance use and mental health disorders. Art therapy is not limited to photography but includes all mediums as a safe supplement to traditional therapy methods. Art therapy facilitates creative expression to support their journey through a substance treatment program or support mental health disorders. At Destinations for Teens, our popular photography therapy program allows teens an easy entry to begin promoting their creativity. Our teens participating in our photography therapy program can express themselves while participating in group activities. Every session provides each of our teens with a camera. They learn photography techniques and produce images that are reflective of their feelings. If your teen struggles to express themselves and has turned to drugs or alcohol, art therapy–especially photography–can help. Working with their peers, teens will learn photography techniques and share their work to reflect on their current and past feelings. Contact us today at 877.466.0620 to get your teen the therapeutic support necessary to help them navigate their emotional triggers.