11. Self-portrait - Therapy in Photography

Two terms to know about as to understand the difference between them; PhotoTherapy and Therapeutic Photography. PhotoTheraphy is where photography is used in a session with a trained therapist as a mean to help a client with his or her struggles, the photograph is then both helpful for the therapist in understanding the client and getting him or her to understand themselves. Therapeutic Photography on the other hand is where the photographer it self uses photography (especially self-portrait) as a tool for self realisation and understanding. Therapeutic Photography do not use a trained professional, only the photographer. It's used by many people to work through the hard struggles in life and some as a mean to grow and obtain understanding of the everyday life.


"In reality art and therapy are intimately connected. Most artists feel a need to produce a work of art in order to feel better and their raw material are emotions (ideas spring from emotions or needs), or even troubles or inner pain. The decision to create art can come from the need to express emotions, to define identity or to fulfil a sort of social mission (we have something to say, and this must be said)." (Nuñez, C. (2009) The Self Portrait, a Powerful Tool for Self-Therapy. p. 60)

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