Photography as a therapeutic tool for substance abuse clients who have a history of sexual abuse

Abstract

Symptoms of sexual abuse among persons in substance abuse treatment facilities may be difficult to recognise since presenting symptoms frequently mirror those associated with substance abuse. Additionally, treatment may be difficult due to a lack of previous verbal processing and shared negative defence mechanisms that are resistant to traditional talking therapy. The use of photography is presented here as a method of treatment initiation and exploration for substance abuse clients who have a history of sexual abuse. The paper reviews rationale, advantages, current applications and practitioner concerns associated with the use of photography as a therapeutic tool.

Could participant-produced photography augment therapeutic interventions for people with intellectual disabilities? A systematic review of the available evidence

“…Such methodologies may be particularly suitable for preliminary research ventures, in order to systematically evaluate feasibility. In the future, comparative longitudinal studies examining the effects of participant-produced photography incorporated into therapeutic settings would be particularly valuable to determine the stability of treatment effects (Graf, 2002).…”

“…Service user-led photography carries sufficient promise to warrant further research into its therapeutic effectiveness (Graf, 2002). In order to enhance understanding of successful intervention components, future research requires rigorous methodological approaches to systematically evaluate incorporation of service user-produced photography within therapeutic settings for people with intellectual disabilities, over a substantial period of time.…”

“…Photography has been used for many years within therapeutic settings to facilitate growth and change (Noland, 2006; Steger et al, 2013; Stewart, 1979). Taking photographs of valued aspects of life and sharing them within therapeutic settings is thought to serve to overcome barriers, permitting choice and empowering individuals to portray their unique world perspective (Graf, 2002). Photographs produced by people with intellectual disabilities have the potential to provide a natural channel for exploration of life-meaning, values and purpose (Lewis and Lindsay, 2000).…”

The Use of Phototherapy in Group Treatment for Persons Who Are Chemically Dependent

“…In a review of art and play therapies, Glover (1999) stated that visually expressive therapies could benefit persons who are chemically dependent and victims of sexual abuse by assisting with verbalization and processing of the traumatic experiences that contributed to the chemical dependency and created strong resistance to traditional therapy. Graf (2002) addressed the use of photography as a means of treatment for persons who were chemically dependent and had a history of sexual abuse and concluded, "Because many persons were victimized as children . .…”

“…With the exception of a few case studies, no research yet exists to substantiate the efficacy of phototherapy (Graf, 2002). The purpose of this study was to examine the use of photography as a therapeutic tool in group treatment for persons who are chemically dependent in order to gain awareness of the therapeutic value of the technique in presenting topics relevant to clients in treatment.…”