ABSTRACT

This chapter provides a selection of methods in which therapists may use photographs to further their understanding of self. Therapists may share their photographs either with family and colleagues or perhaps they will take photographs into their own therapy. They may also wish to adapt some of these ideas to use with their patients in therapy. Photographs can be used to illustrate the influence of environment on the development of self-image. Family photograph albums also reflect this social stereotyping, showing how strongly these attitudes have been absorbed into the individual and family psyche. The chapter presents the case study of a Colin. Colin’s photographs illustrate the high personal price that he paid for conforming to family and society; they also clearly document changes in the process of his lifelong struggle. Colin’s photographs have helped him understand and measure the stages of development in his life and have assisted him with chronology and memory.