The Phototherapy Department of the Musrara School of Art in Jerusalem offers a yearly program for therapists who wish to study photography as a therapeutic tool (phototherapy). The program, “Photography in the Therapeutic Process”, was inaugurated in 2012 in light of the high demand among therapists, who expressed their desire to study and get acquainted with the possibilities offered by integrating photographs and photography in treatment.
In recent years, photography is more available and accessible than ever, and has become an integral part of everyday life. Therapists recognize the therapeutic qualities of photography as a unique tool for communication, through which one can develop observation skills, express non-verbally conscious and unconscious feelings and emotions, convey a unique perspective, create a mental testament and reach insightful feedback.
As the oldest institution in Israel to teach phototherapy – since 2003 – we offer our rich experience in the development of the field, its teaching, and its establishment as an effective tool in the therapeutic domain.
The program
The program provides a channel to the phototherapeutic experience and thought, and enables therapists to deepen their understanding of its possibilities. The courses combine theoretical knowledge and practice in phototherapy techniques. In addition, participants of the program will experiment with combining phototherapy with arts such as painting, writing, video and drama – in a fashion that helps discover the underlying layers of photography. The program emphasizes the various work modes in phototherapy and their implementation in treatment, including group supervision in the field.
Photography and creative workshops are included in the program for the development of the participants’ sources of expression.
No prior professional knowledge in photography or art is required.
Lecturers in the program
The lecturers are senior and experienced therapists and supervisors, who integrate photography in their therapeutic work in a variety of ways. The photography teachers are active and esteemed photographers.
Intended audience
The program is intended for therapists from the following fields: psychology, social work, art therapy, psychiatry. The application of therapists from other fields will be considered in exceptional cases.
Spaces are limited.