Teenagers love photography as it allows them to share with the world how they express themselves. From posing for selfies or with friends, teens enjoy the act of taking photographs and posting on social media. But have you ever considered how photography therapy could help your teen as part of their recovery treatment? Like other forms of art therapy, photography therapy for teens allows young adults to express their feelings in ways that they might find hard to communicate verbally. At Destinations for Teens, we understand how photography therapy may help teens overcome their substance use disorder. Reach out to learn more by calling 877.466.0620.
What Is Photography Therapy?
Teen therapeutic services that focus on artistic expression provide young adults with the opportunity to express themselves. It also offers teens the space to become knowledgeable in various artistic techniques. One of the great advantages of photography therapy is that participants do not need any knowledge or skills. All that is needed is a desire to learn. In photography therapy, participants will learn to use a camera effectively and learn various photographic techniques. They will use this knowledge to share their individuality. The purpose of photography therapy is to help teens heal from their past and grow in their understanding of themselves. When teens actively participate in photography therapy, they learn about themselves and the world while navigating their anxiety and depression in a supportive environment. Since images can be symbols of great memories and personal experiences, they must be present as a teen moves through their recovery journey.
Benefits of Photography Therapy
There are many advantages of a teen therapy program focused on photography. These benefits include:
- Participants do not need to have any prior skills or knowledge
- Supporting adolescents with verbal communication difficulties as a result of physical, mental, or emotional reasons
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- Enhance visual literacy skills
- Helping adolescents who often feel socially excluded
- Enhance self-awareness and self-knowledge
Photography can also help people understand the power of deepening intercultural relationships, sharpen understanding of social justice issues, and improve relationships with family and friends.
What Happens in a Teen Photo Therapy Program?
Photography therapy is more than snapping photographs. And it’s much more than posing for photos, too! In a teen therapy program focused on photography, therapists will coach young adults to document their feelings in a journal. Then, they will use images to share their feelings. Therapeutic photography is more than taking photographs. It also includes:
- Participating in interactive activities such as viewing and discussing photographs
- Planning photography shoots
- Remembering specific photographs in their lives
How Does Art Therapy Support Other Forms of Treatment?
It’s not uncommon for teens to be resistant to traditional forms of therapy. They might feel like this is another adult ready to lecture them about their choices. They might also feel like they cannot share their true feelings. With art therapy programs such as photography or visual art, teens can express themselves while building relationships with others. This self-awareness and peer support is an encouraging mechanism to help teens participate in other forms of therapy. From one-to-one therapy sessions, group sessions with other teens, or even family therapy, using art is a great way to get all participants readily active and aware of their needs in their recovery and beyond.
Learn About Teen Therapeutic Services at Destinations for Teens
Helping teens to express their creativity is essential to recovery. At Destinations for Teens, our recovery curriculum consistently promotes creativity and self-expression. In addition to photography therapy, we are able to offer:
- Art therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Dance therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Surf therapy
- Mindfulness therapy
- Music therapy
If you are searching for a treatment program that integrates art teen therapeutic services, contact Destinations for Teens 877.466.0620 to learn about our programs.
References: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health