Therapeutic Photography
Capturing Healing: The Transformative Lens
Discover healing through therapeutic photography. Explore emotions, find resilience, and foster community connection.
Participate in our endeavor to promote mental health awareness and inspiration while delving into the therapeutic potential of photography within our community. Uncover its ability to enhance expression, comprehension, and resilience in overcoming depression and anxiety.
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"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."
— Oscar Wilde
1. What is Therapeutic Photography
Therapeutic photography is the use of photography as a tool to promote healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. It involves the use of images to explore and express one's emotions, thoughts, and feelings, as well as to gain insight into one's life experiences.
Therapeutic photography can be used in various settings, such as counseling, psychotherapy, and self-help. It can be helpful for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues, trauma, grief, or other challenges. Through the process of taking and reflecting on photos, individuals can gain a new perspective on their experiences and emotions, and find ways to cope and move forward.
The therapeutic benefits of photography can also extend beyond the individual, as it can be used to promote social connection and community building. Group photography projects, for example, can be a way to bring people together, promote culture, and foster a sense of belonging and support.
2. Therapeutic Photography vs. Phototherapy
While both practices use the power of images to heal, they serve different roles in mental health and well-being.
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Therapeutic Photography is a self-initiated practice used for self-exploration, healing, and personal growth. It can be done solo or in groups and does not require a trained therapist.
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Phototherapy (or Photo Therapy) is a formal clinical intervention guided by a trained mental health professional. It uses specific techniques for deep healing, often involving personal or family photo albums.
3. How to Use Therapeutic Photography
Therapeutic photography involves using the art of taking and reflecting on photos to promote mental health and emotional well-being.
To engage in this practice, start by selecting a camera or a smartphone and explore subjects or scenes that resonate with your emotions or experiences. Focus on capturing moments that evoke feelings or tell a story. Take your time and be mindful of the process, allowing yourself to connect with the images you create. Later, review the photos, reflect on the emotions they evoke, and consider what they reveal about your thoughts or feelings. This process of capturing, reflecting, and interpreting images can be profoundly therapeutic, fostering self-awareness and promoting healing.
4. Benefits of Therapeutic Photography
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Enhanced Well-being:
Daily photography has shown to improve well-being by fostering self-care, community interaction, and opportunities for mindful engagement.
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Mental Health Recovery:
Narrative reconstruction through photography aids in mental health recovery, bridging gaps between professionals and those seeking care while positively impacting individual and community well-being.
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Focus on Positivity:
Through capturing positive life experiences, therapeutic photography helps alleviate preoccupation with illness, bringing attention to moments of joy and accomplishment.
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Stress Reduction:
Immersion in photography serves as a temporary escape from stressors, allowing individuals to momentarily distance themselves from intense emotions associated with illness.
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Empowerment and Expression:
Photography, particularly through mediums like selfies, holds inherent potential for empowerment and adaptable expression across diverse social contexts and platforms.
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Symbolic Emotional Expression:
Photography enables symbolic expression of emotions, providing a means to articulate feelings artistically and explore personal narratives.
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Boost to Self-worth:
Engagement in photography activities offers opportunities for continuity, challenge, and achievement, contributing to enhanced self-worth and identity.
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Long-term Health Benefits:
Engaging in therapeutic photography has shown to influence various physiological and psychological variables, contributing to improved mood, stress hormone levels, and overall health outcomes.
5. Pinehouse Photography Club:
A Case Study in Action
In 2016, Dre discovered the therapeutic benefits of northern lights photography. He started using therapeutic photography in a remote and isolated village in northern Saskatchewan to assist youth in developing coping mechanisms and techniques for dealing with mental health issues and even addictions.
Learn More about the club and the youth from Pinehouse Lake here:
Expressing oneself without even
Saying a word
The silent language of therapeutic photography, from capturing images to embracing positive feedback on social platforms, has unveiled its transformative potential and accessibility. Dre's firsthand encounter vividly illustrates its impact, particularly in aiding youth mental health and addressing addiction challenges, showcasing its adaptability across diverse settings like homes, communities, schools, and towns. With just a cellphone or camera, anyone can harness its benefits.
Witnessing youths' verbal and nonverbal responses, Dre noted the profound influence of therapeutic photography on their emotions. Laughter, smiles, and heartfelt moments during impromptu campfire therapy sessions underscored its efficacy.
Moreover, endorsements from esteemed sources like CBC, Global News, the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), and other reputable outlets further validate its worth.
"Photography saved my life"
Keirra Tinker, Sask
"I love taking pictures because it helps me express myself when words aren't enough. It's like a visual diary that helps me see things in a different way and feel better about myself."
Louis Iron, Sask
"Photography helps me express myself without using words."
Tyson Ratt, Sask
Capturing Resilience: Pinehouse Photography Club
Exploring Life's Brighter Moments - A Journey Through Therapeutic Photography in British Columbia
Discover further insights about the Pinehouse Lake photography club and its young members here.
6. Lessons Learned and Impact
Therapeutic photography, a potent tool aiding youth grappling with emotional turmoil, offers a safe avenue for creative expression, particularly beneficial for those struggling to vocalize mental health challenges. This visual medium nurtures vital coping mechanisms, fostering resilience and overall well-being among young individuals. The accessibility of cameras through smartphones has democratized this therapy, empowering youth to explore its benefits conveniently.
Throughout the journey, the Pinehouse Photography Club stood as a testament to the impact of community champions. However, a crucial lesson emerged: avoiding burnout is vital. Seeking support from community members, parents, and educators instead of shouldering every responsibility alone is essential for sustainable initiatives.
This journey wasn't just about recognizing the value of therapeutic photography for youth; it became a catalyst for personal growth. Experiencing the transformative power firsthand unveiled its profound impact, not just on the youth but also on my own well-being. Witnessing the evolution from personal struggles to guiding youth through therapeutic photography was profound. The sight of Pinehouse's streets bustling with young photographers validated the practice's impact.
Amidst this journey, a fundamental lesson surfaced: aiding others is inherently therapeutic. Stemming from my nursing background, it reiterated the value of altruism as an inherent healing force. This revelation highlighted that supporting others holds therapeutic value, enriching not just the recipients but also the giver.
"When you look through a camera lens, you block out the rest of the world, including misery, agony, and grief. It's just you and what you're seeing right now. Practice focusing on taking the perfect shot, and you'll find that even without the camera in front of your face, you'll be seeing the good in life a lot more clearly."
- Dre Erwin
7. Evidence of Impact: Real-World Results
The following results demonstrate how therapeutic photography has moved from a creative exercise to a life-saving intervention in northern Saskatchewan:
Youth in Pinehouse have credited the photography club with providing a "lifeline," helping them navigate trauma, depression, and even preventing suicide by shifting focus toward beauty and purpose.
Our methods were featured in the award-winning CBC documentary "A New Lens on Life," showcasing how a camera can serve as a safe, non-verbal outlet for mental health challenges.
The success of the Pinehouse youth led to Kids Help Phone purchasing 12 photographs from our members to use in their national Finding Hope action plan for Indigenous youth suicide prevention.
Over 300 kids a month engage with our program, reporting increased self-worth and a stronger connection to their community and Elders through visual storytelling.
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Led by Dre Erwin (RNAAP), the club combined nursing education with creative therapy to provide critical care support for healthy development.
We worked directly with Social Work to identify and prioritize youth at high risk, ensuring the program reaches those in the greatest need of clinical intervention.
8. Collaborations and Future Initiatives
Building on the success of the Pinehouse Photography Club, I have transitioned the program’s resources to the local elementary school to ensure its legacy continues. The students there have proven the immense value of therapeutic photography, and I am confident the new local champions will reignite its activities.
I am now moving into a strategic administrative role, focused on expanding these initiatives into other Métis, Cree, and remote communities, including Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan. I am actively engaging with news agencies, tourism boards, and First Nations organizations (including the FSIN) to build a network of support. My goal is to secure camera equipment and empower community champions to launch similar programs across Canada and beyond.
About
Dre Erwin
Dre Erwin, RNAAP, is a primary care nurse in northern Saskatchewan and the founder of the Pinehouse Photography Club. His pioneering work in therapeutic photography has been featured in the CBC documentary "A New Lens on Life" and integrated into the national Finding Hope suicide prevention strategy by Kids Help Phone. By collaborating with social work professionals and healthcare unions, Dre has provided a multi-disciplinary, real-time implementation of creative healing for high-risk youth.
"Always Show Gratitude."
Tex Bernabe, Primary Care Nurse RNAAP
Founder of Therapeutic Photography
Judy Weiser, a seasoned Psychologist, Art Therapist, and global authority on PhotoTherapy, has spent over 25 years using her innovative techniques to assist marginalized clients. As the Founder of the PhotoTherapy Centre in Vancouver, Canada, she's renowned for decoding the emotional depth of personal photographs. Judy's expertise spans consulting, lecturing, and training worldwide, impacting mental health professionals in over 50 cities. She's a registered practitioner in Psychology and Art Therapy, sharing her knowledge through workshops and academic courses, advocating for the use of Therapeutic Photography and Film-Making to enhance individual and community well-being. Annually conducting the intensive Judy Weiser’s PhotoTherapy Techniques Certificate Program, she's pioneering online courses and intends to preserve her substantial archive for future generations' access.
Judy Weiser - PhotoTherapy. The Healing Power of Photographs
Love this conversation ❤ Judy is a legend :)
Where to Go from Here:
Taking Your Therapeutic Photography Journey Further
Your journey with therapeutic photography is just beginning. Beyond reading about it, we invite you to experience it. Join our Facebook group, Inspiritography, to connect with a like-minded community, or subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Ready to go deeper? Explore local workshops, consider starting a photography club in your own town, or seek out specialized training to become a community champion. Whether you are here to learn or to lead, there is a place for you.
Embracing Therapeutic Photography: A Guide to Implementation for Mental Well-being
To implement therapeutic photography, begin by learning about its benefits and techniques through online research or workshops. Gather a group of individuals passionate about using photography for mental well-being. Create an inclusive club or program focusing on the therapeutic aspect of photography, welcoming everyone regardless of experience. Collaborate with mental health professionals to strengthen the program. Embracing therapeutic photography, regardless of your circumstances, can positively impact mental health.
Join our Facebook group: Inspiratography
Looking for more information?
Ren Lukoni
Such talent! Amazing photos & person. Love his work & how he helps others too. Highly recommend!
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Robert Paul
I love all of the magnificent photography from Saskatchewan! Dre Erwin is a remarkable artist! I particularly enjoy his incredible work with the Northern Lights and the beautiful Plains of Saskatchewan
A positive encouraging dedicated photographer. great role model for helping show people how photography can be so therapeutically helpful !!! Amazing photos
Pat Schundria
The photos are beyond amazing!! Sooo many people only ever dream, about seeing the Northern Lights, and these photos, are dream worthy!! Thanks Dre!!
Beyond Pictures: Therapeutic Photography Insights
