Creating Beautiful Memories
For the longest time, weddings have been a favorite subject of photographers. People always want to have such a momentous occasion documented, leading to innovative ways to capture precious moments between the bride, groom and their guests.
Couples therapy is an excellent way to strengthen the marriage bond between husband and wife. Engaging in couples therapy or marriage counseling can significantly strengthen the bond in marriage by providing a structured and supportive environment where partners can work on their relationship with the guidance of a trained therapist.
Whether utilizing approaches like the Gottman Method or other forms of couples counseling, therapy can help couples find effective ways to work through challenges, enhance communication, and prioritize mental health, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient relationship.
Couples Counseling
It makes me happy whenever I take portraits of these couples because I can see happiness in their eyes. I love how these newlyweds smile, eyes sparkling, as they express their love for each other.
My clients are usually surveyed couples planning to get married or spouses still starting their own families.
In my years of experience as a photographer, I can say that I have been exposed enough to different stories of people. I have seen former clients who have stayed together long while others have decided to part healthier ways. At this certain point, you are probably wondering why I still get updates about the lives of my previous customers. Fortunately, most of them like my services, so they often return to me for photography needs. At the same time, most of them also became my friends over time.
Couples Counseling
One of the lessons I learned from them is the art of couples counseling or any type of counseling. Most couples seek treatment. They claim that this form of treatment has helped them save their marriages with only a few initial sessions.
Online therapy sessions, or emotionally-focused couples therapy, help couples build healthy relationships, marriage, and family, as well as solve relationship issues involving communication skills. An emotionally focused therapy session is conducted in a safe space by mental health professionals and licensed couples therapists with clinical experience. Some examples are marriage and family therapists and couples therapists.
Couples counseling can be beneficial in strengthening relationships. Partners who seek the benefits of couples therapy learn positive communication more effectively through reflective listening so they can work through difficult situations. Often, narrative therapy can help identify other factors that may be negatively impacting the relationship and turn them into positive aspects.
When the couple in marriage starts to feel resentment and hatred against each other, the best thing to do is to ask for the help and assistance of a professional couples counselor. These negative feelings may increase, especially if no one guides the husband and wife.
Before a couple decides to separate, they must go through couples counseling first. Many marriages have been saved after completing several sessions with a marriage counselor. “While divorce may be necessary and the healthiest choice for some, others may wish to try to salvage whatever is left of the union.” A reminder from Donna M. White, LMHC, CACP.
Couple counseling is usually composed of twelve sessions. It is short-term therpay, wherein each session has a specific goal. However, there are times when the marriage counselors may require an extension of the number of sessions. Always remember that this matter depends on the attending circumstances of each case. Julie Williams, Psy.D. also said, “Even better, these insights and skills that you’ll gain from marriage counseling and couples counseling can have great and lasting benefits in your other relationships, including in your relationships with colleagues, children, and other family members.”
During the sessions, the couple will be reminded why they decided to marry each other. All the concerns and problems in the marital union will be discussed, such as infidelity, financial issues, and constant arguments. The spouses are expected to participate in all the activities to save the relationship.
Couples counseling, also known as couples therapy, is a type of family therapy that aims to improve relationship satisfaction, communication, and conflict resolution within a committed relationship. Couples therapy treatment can be an effective way to address focus, intimacy, and infidelity issues in a relationship and improve relationship satisfaction.
Couples’ relationship therapy typically involves meeting with a marriage and family therapist regularly, usually once per week. During the Gottman method of the couples person therapy session with a licensed therapist, couples will learn healthy communication skills and problem-solving skills. The same therapist may also guide how to improve the cultural background and overall health of the relationship and the mental health of the individuals involved through tried and tested types of couples therapy.
Not all relationships that go through affordable alternative therapy can get back together. Sometimes, there are just broken relationships that can no longer be saved. Nonetheless, the success rate is still high. Because of this, many couples wait and still consider talking to a therapist to see where the relationship stands and if there is still some saving grace available to them. “Through the counseling process, couples find ways to improve their level of relationship satisfaction; sometimes they can also identify obstacles or characteristics that are too much to bear for either personal or for the relationship to overcome.” Dana Baduna, Ph.D., LMFT explains.
Indeed, counseling is an excellent way to strengthen the marital bond between partners. Because of this short-term relationship therapy, many of my former clients’ marriages have been saved. Visit a therapist’s office now.
To learn more about this, visit BetterHelp today.
Couples can greatly benefit from a therapy approach rooted in evidence-based practices, such as the Gottman Method. It’s essential for couples to find a therapist who specializes in this method, either through personal research or a Gottman referral, to ensure they receive targeted, expert guidance tailored to their unique relationship needs.
Social media networks have become a significant platform for everyone to showcase who they are, what they are doing, the places they have all been to, and a lot more involving their daily lives. Nowadays, wordy statuses are not enough. Pictures are already in for telling a hundred words.
Continue reading “How Photo-Sharing Social Sites Can Document Your Relationship “
A wedding is one of the most beautiful occasions you can have or be a part of. It is a celebration not only of the official union of two individuals in love, but likewise the coming together of all the family, friends, and guests that would be witnesses to the couple’s vow of love. Indeed, one’s wedding day is a momentous milestone that carries a hopeful chapter and a new beginning for more beautiful stories to be written.
Continue reading ” Four Most Precious Scenes Your Wedding Photographer Must Capture “
Nowadays, it all boils down to the game of who has the best pictures on social media. Having one of the most liked images on social media means that you have a novel concept. Having more likes also means that your picture abides by conventions of style. Most importantly, your picture conveys more than meets the eye.
Continue reading “Tips To Upgrade Your Wedding And Family Photos “
Couple photography is like producing a visual storybook–a story of love, fondness and a happily ever after. The intimate emotions and deep connection between the couple are always interesting subjects to capture. However, it can be quite difficult to catch these subjects. Difficulty increases when the lovebirds are not naturals when it comes to posing in front of the camera.
Continue reading “7 Tips For Capturing Love During A Couples Photo Shoot “
There are different forms of art therapies that are touted as effective in helping people deal with their mental health problems because these tools for artistic expression often provide a personal outlet to the individual who is suffering.
“Many people turn to therapy because they feel as though they are not functioning. Most people come feeling depressed or anxious and fear that they are defective.” Stacy Donn Cristo, LMHC said. While there are people who would instead choose the more technical types of treatment, there are those who are more into photography – a kind of art therapy that helps people communicate their thoughts and emotions non-verbally. Perhaps, it is for this particular reason that psychiatry and psychology professionals opt for this type of treatment. Since photography is personal, it shows therapists what a person thinks or feels through the pictures their clients take. Furthermore, photography’s cathartic effect makes it a popular choice for young adults who are suffering from mental health issues like depression.
How does photography help people cope with depression?
Photography Nurtures Positive Thinking
As stated by Dr. Kurt Smith, LMFT, LPCC, AFC, “Feeling hopeless often leads to anger in men as opposed to the lethargy that can manifest in women. As a result, depression in men can be particularly hard to spot sometimes because it doesn’t look like we think it should.” Hopelessness and helplessness are common symptoms experienced by people with depression, which is why it is necessary to nurture a sense of positivity to counteract negative thoughts and emotions. Photography is a craft that requires focus and intense observation, which helps photographers intimately see and appreciate things that they’ve never noticed before.
In choosing what subjects to take images of, one tends to learn that there is hidden, modest beauty presented in one’s surrounding. Even those that used to be inconsequential become meaningful and essential to existence. Upon realizing the magnificence of the environment, people with depression who opted for photography as their therapeutic modality rebuild their positive attitude to fight the darkness within by understanding that everything has a purpose – even the leaf that fell from the tree has served its function. For most people who found happiness and created their bubble of positivity due to photography, the art did not just help them survive but also thrive despite their condition.
Photography Expands Your Support System
The great thing about discovering your passion is realizing that there are groups of people who are also into the things you do and who can help widen your horizons and enhance your knowledge and skills to be better with your craft. Photography is a great hobby to be part of a community.
One of the primary reasons why people succumb to depression is due to the feeling of being left out or alone. In this modern world, people have become a prisoner of their dreams. More and more are driven to fulfill their goals not noticing that life is quickly slipping by and the people who were once alongside them have vanished or have gone their separate paths.
As we mature into adults, it gets harder and harder to find people whom you can relate to or share hobbies with. For this reason, people with depressive symptoms find comfort in photography because of the vast community that welcomes them with open arms.
Photography Reminds You That Life Is Meaningful
By gazing through the lens, photographers can capture impressive, emotional details that others are usually oblivious to. For people with depression, capturing something that fills their heart with joy is a huge deal because it is quite difficult for happiness to come around. Looking at printed images of photos they have taken makes them nostalgic and helps them remember that there was a moment in their lives that felt meaningful and blissful.
The best part about photography is that it not only enhances creativity and takes it a notch higher, but it also teaches people with depression the art of mindfulness.“Mindfulness meditation practices are effective interventions, and sometimes for mild to moderate conditions—depression and anxiety—super-effective as front lines,” says Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC. Mindfulness is a therapeutic technique that helps people achieve balance, and at the same time reduces stress.
Many people benefit from phototherapy as it opens their eyes to the beauty of every moment that they are in. Let’s find out more about utilizing this specific technique to help with our mental health.
Considered the footprints of one’s mind, photos hold the silent stillness that reflects the memories that a person holds dear. How does an photo-making intervention work for someone’s mental illness?
At photo viewing, people automatically, and spontaneously create prolific meanings based on what they see and not necessarily what the photographer initially intended it to be – because the human mind is variable. For this reason, any photo is open to interpretation and exploration. Therefore, an individual’s reactions to snapshots or a self photographs are considered unique because they can reveal a great deal about themselves if the right kinds of questions are asked. Photography allows people to know each other. It can even be a therapeutic experience for some.
This concept of phototherapy and photography therapy depicts why the majority of people keep snapshot memorabilia to shed light on something or have something to look back to whenever they feel the need to go down memory lane. Here, the photo is frozen bridges for exploring, communicating, and accessing memories, emotions, and feelings, along with resurfacing any long-forgotten, deeply-buried issues that can initiate meaningful thoughts and feelings.
As “mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, it affects how we think, feel, and act.” Catherine Cleveland M.S., LMHC-P explains.
During therapeutic photography sessions, the individual photos are used as a therapeutic tool and shown to serve as tangible and symbolic transitional objects that quietly offer more profound insight in a manner that words alone cannot thoroughly deconstruct or represent.
Therapeutic photography is a self-initiated form of self-therapy that utilizes ordinary snapshots to address mental phenomena and help increase self-esteem. According to the International Journal of phototherapy and therapeutic photography, this approach has shown promising results in reducing the stress hormone cortisol levels and helping clients heal from various issues. This kind of therapy is particularly beneficial for minority groups and chemically dependent individuals who may face unique challenges. In the digital age, phototherapy can be used both individually and in an organized group setting to provide a safe and effective form of treatment.
With the guidance of a trained therapist, therapeutic phototherapy techniques are implemented by allowing clients to explore their albums of friends or family members and take out images that mean something to them so that they may be of therapeutic use. There is potential information ingrained in every image, which can be used to precipitate and focus the treatment dialogue.
Now that one is aware of the simplified principles of phototherapy, what can people expect during every treatment session? Do you focus only on pictures of people, or does it include places or things in life that evoke feelings that can help with remedial healing? Do you need prior training with a professional camera to be part of mindful photography individual or group treatment?
The majority of photography techniques (self-portraits, photo albums, etc.) allow individuals to have a better understanding and reach, wherein they can comfortably and efficiently express portions of themselves in a manner that was not previously deemed possible.
Therapists can utilize therapeutic photography techniques in treating their patients with mental health concerns, particularly those who love taking pictures and photo-based activities, and find it nurturing or remedial. Here, taking photographs becomes part of an art or talk therapy session to acquire emotional information from the client. For instance, a client is asked to look at a self-portrait for the remedial use of looking into how this client feels about himself, including his frustration, self-worth, confidence, and overall awareness. The client can also look at photos of nature, art, or photographs that might evoke traumatic memories to help the mental health professional assess the client throughout the process of healing.
Phototherapy is a photo-instrument that can be used to address social exclusion and promote well-being. I other words, it uses photography as therapy, hence why it is also sometimes called mental health photography. According to current literature, phototherapy refers to the use of photographs as a tool for therapy and has shown promising results in improving mental health. A qualitative study conducted by the Lancaster University Phototherapy Center found that photo interactions can help individuals overcome feelings of isolation and promote social connectedness.
Take note that the primary role of a therapist in phototherapy is to support and encourage the person’s self-expression or boost self-esteem and mental and physical health care intervention and, at the same time, explore personal images and interact in a healthy, non-intrusive manner. They may share some photography tips, as in how people can feel good from photography. These tips may include sharing on social media moderately, framing their photography, or printing photos and compiling them in remembrance albums.
It is not about them discussing or interpreting images for their clients, but it is the remedial photography that gives people the healing benefits and opportunity to explore what the images mean and how these images impact or change their lives without turning into mental health professionals. Who knows, you may even post pictures on your rehabilitation counseling bulletin for positive life experiences during the therapy process.
Phototherapy is a form of therapy that can help individuals reduce social exclusion and gain a sense of connection and belonging. Through the ability to start talking about their photographs, individuals are able to express their emotions and experiences in a non-threatening way.
Therapeutic photography can be learned just like art therapy. If you love taking self-portrait pictures, try therapeutic photography for mental health nursing or to fight your mental illness!
What are the 4 styles of therapeutic photography?
How does this type of therapy become a healing process?
How can I practice mindful photography?
How do photographers use psychology?
What are the 7 elements of photography?
What are the 3 basic types of photography?
What is sensory photography?
What are the 4 basic elements of photography?
Is taking photos therapeutic?
What are the benefits of therapeutic photography for physical and psychological health?
Why are therapeutic techniques important?
What is the most common therapeutic approach?
What is the most important goal of therapeutic play?
What are the benefits of therapeutic communication?
Do you love taking photos of nature, wildlife, or simply yourself and your loved ones? Let’s talk about the art of taking pictures as a form of art. What does it take to be a great photographer? Let’s learn more about photos and photographers here.
For many years, event photography has been present to deliver high-quality images and events that represent emotions like fear, happiness, sadness, and love. While photography is done for numerous reasons – a hobby or a way of living – some consider art a way to preserve their sanity and cope with life’s daily struggles. The number of professional photographers is currently emerging, and more are eager to learn the art, mainly for expression and escape.
In the 1830s, French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce succeeded in creating the first permanent successful photograph, known as a heliograph. In 1839, Niépce’s associate Louis Daguerre further refined the process, which eventually led to the mass production of photographs in the late 19th century.
There are numerous inventors living around the world today that have helped shape art and photography. Their works have become essential elements and advantage to the focal point of the art.
Taking photos or imagery not only makes people feel relaxed but also purges negativities from their thoughts; because of this, counseling has advised guided imagery as a therapeutic hobby to keep the mind and feelings at bay.
Digital photography, also known as life, wildlife, or color photography, is the art, science, and practice of creating durable photos produced by recording light source or other electromagnetic radiation with lighting equipment, either electronically by means of a final photo sensor or device scanning or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film. It uses photographing sports techniques to take a single image. This type of photography utilizes a different focal length.
In addition, the term digital camera or digicam is a digital camera that is similar to the camera obscura that encodes digital photos and videos and stores them for later reproduction.
Photographs are images created by lighting conditions falling on real objects, generally captured via cameras. An early complete list of experiments in taking photos was conducted in a dark chamber called camera obscuras.
Any hobby can beseech happiness; this is the same with photography. Photography provides an artistic outlet that is distinctly different from other types of art therapies like writing, painting, or drawing. Instead of creating or building something out of nothing, the person can immediately seize the moment that resonates with them and put it in a still photo frame. Photos of what you find inspiring or captivating and putting them in print or just marveling at the result can initiate joy and satisfaction.
Moreover, capturing moments through photography is like freezing time, allowing us to revisit memories and find happiness in the images we’ve created. Whether it’s the classic charm of black and white photos from the early days of the history of photography or the vibrant hues captured by modern digital cameras, every photo tells a story.
As photographers, we cherish the ability to document the passage of time, turning fleeting moments into timeless treasures. Each click of the camera not only preserves an instant but also encapsulates the emotions and experiences of that moment, reminding us of the joy found in both the act of capturing the photo and the memories it holds.
Photography is not merely a point-and-shoot process; it goes beyond the usual individual and group snaps. People engaged in taking pictures have found that it can be meditative, especially those who have chosen nature or landscape as their primary subjects. When capturing image-quality shots, photographers have to dig deep within themselves to realize what angle or locations and exposure time would serve best to get the optimum results. Photographers must be focused, calm, and mentally aware to internalize and trigger the brain to be more intertwined with the surroundings.
There are also different forms of digital photography that give a meditative state such as macro, wildlife, still life, black and white, portrait, landscape, and film photography.
Being skilled in a particular endeavor (great photo one shot or imagery, in this case) significantly increases self-confidence and self-esteem. However, imagery is unique in gaining copious amounts of self-regard due to the ideals and principles surrounding imagery. Camera work is an expression not only of one’s skills and talent but also of one’s soul.
In Dr. Nikki Martinez’s Psy.D. blog, she says, “If you are struggling with low self-esteem, it is encouraged that you seek some type of help and support to work through this issue, and to help you be the best version of yourself that you can be.” Imagery can help in this.
You can significantly boost your confidence when you’ve managed to do camera work sessions for something that means something to you.
It is during times when people react and impart their feelings about your work that makes photography more meaningful because of the notion that it is the art that connects people who have experienced the same circumstances and emotions.
Many imagery experts have ventured into life and found that learning how to get the perfect photo is more therapeutic than going into weekly sessions or drinking medications. But just because the camera settings work for them, it may or may not work for you; it’s a matter of finding out what treatment modality you feel most comfortable with and finding a way to hone or nurture the interest in post-processing. The imagery might pique your interest.
Throwback Thursday is a popular way to reminisce about the good old days. People would post a photo online, usually Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with the caption or hashtag “ThrowbackThursday.” These are pictures of them when they were little, an old place that meant a lot, a doodle that used to symbolize something, a letter, or old clothes and stuff that are sentimental.
People would usually look forward to the future, not the past. What are the subconscious reasons why people are so fond of throwbacks?
Why Do People Love Throwback Thursday?
When we go to our old stuff and see some old family photos, there’s a certain feeling that sparks within us. It brings back memories of happy moments we had with the people who matter to us a lot. It is a way of reminiscing and looking back at how great life was.
Looking at our throwback photos makes us feel sentimental in a meaningful way. It makes us remember our childhood and teenage days when life was happy and carefree. Adult people tend to wish for these days to come back, even just for a second.
Having a glimpse better, like when you see an old photo of you playing the piano. It could be a reminder of your dream of being a musician. It could somehow awaken your desire of actually being good at it and start doing something to make it happen.
Maybe you had a dream of putting up your own pastry house, and you see an old photo of you and your mom baking. It could be an inspiration and motivation to start pursuing what you love. That is if you haven’t yet, but if you already have, throwback photos remind us that every success comes from a small beginning.
Since posting throwback photos became popular nowadays, it wouldn’t hurt posting one of your own. Following the trend can improve our social skills, especially now that social media is the new place to hang out.
Posting your throwback photos online can show your softer side. It could tell the people who used to be a part of your life that you treasure those moments together and that you value whatever memories you had with them.
Sharing photos is easier today. In fact, taking photos is easier! Back in the days, it could cost so much just to have your family photo taken, and it could be only twice in one’s lifetime. The technology nowadays has made it possible for us to have our sure taken twice in a minute or maybe more!
Throwback Thursday is a way for us to connect to the old us. It can be a good or bad thing, but it is always exciting and worthwhile. Our past is a part of our lives that made us who we are and where we are today. There is nothing wrong with loving the throwbacks. It is one way to appreciate and be grateful for the life we had.