Using Therapeutic Photography in Social Work—An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the Dynamics within a Group Programme

Therapeutic photography is the practice of using photography in order to explore issues and reach defined outcomes with people who use services. It has been deemed to be an accessible tool which can have a positive impact on self-esteem, self-efficacy and empowerment. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis, this research analyses observations and focus group feedback from a group of participants receiving support from a third-sector organisation for mental health issues. Specifically, the data were analysed to look at how a therapeutic photography programme contributed to group dynamics, exploration and outcomes. Three inter-related super-ordinate themes were identified, these being (1) exposing the self; (2) searching; and (3) developing the self. These themes centred around the identity of the participants as they explored their photographs and associated narratives. The results suggest that the medium of photography contributes to enhanced self-disclosure and social bonding through the familiarity of engaging with photographs. The photographs also enable participants to feel in control of the information shared, facilitating the level of exploration and personal learning around identity and roles and could be beneficial in social work with groups where these outcomes are sought. This article looks at the dynamics of using photographs within a group intervention and assessed the therapeutic benefits for participants who were receiving support from a third-sector organisation specialising in mental health issues. Results suggest that the familiar nature of taking photographs meant that participants were able to quickly become acquainted with the dynamics of interacting with the images and using these as a catalyst for communication with one another. This facilitated learning about themselves and about coping strategies employed by others. The article concludes by suggesting further research in this area to investigate the applicability of these techniques in other types of social work interventions.