An introductory course to Phototherapy
Photography as a means of exploring the Self

January – April 2023

Phototherapy as an independent part of Art Therapy appears for the first time in modern history in 1975, with reference to the specific term by Canadian psychologist Judy Weiser. Nevertheless, the therapeutic use of the visual image has been an integral part of the art of photography itself since the first trace of silver made its appearance on the glass plates of ancient cameras.

The NPO amaka, with many years of experience in international art therapy / phototherapy programs with vulnerable groups, will be organising the theoretical and hands-on Phototherapy workshop My Photo.

The workshop is experiential in nature and aims at better understanding the basic techniques of phototherapy as tools for self exploration, which can be applied in a personal, therapeutic (individual or group) and educational context.

“What amounts for a photographer to be the final destination, in a therapeutic relationship is merely the starting point.“

During the 12 sessions, participants will have the opportunity to enrich their theoretical and hands-on experience in photography, to experiment with specific phototherapy and photography techniques and to learn the basic principles of methods such as: participatory photography, literacy through photography (LTP) and Photo Voice. The ultimate goal of the workshop will be for each participant to be able, upon completion of the course, not only to master several new tools but also to know how to apply them in practice.

It is addressed to psychologists, teachers, photographers, artists, social workers, mental health counsellors, students of social sciences and humanities, but also to those who want to further develop their relationship with image, improve their glance and learn basic ways of using it as a means of personal development and self-expression.

Speakers: Dafni Kalafati (Photographer, Αrt therapist) | Niovi Stavropoulou (Psychologist, Photographer, Αrt therapist) | Giannis Kafkas (Photographer, Systemic Psychotherapist) | Enri Canaj (Magnum Photos Associate, Documentary Photographer)

Teaching Modules 

Visual Perception

• By looking back at the history of art and photography in particular and the theories of visual culture, we form the background on which we will build on in order to open a creative dialogue with the image
• The history of photography through the cultural, political and artistic prism of each era
• The motivations and logic behind Conceptual and Documentary Photography

Analysis and experiential exploration of specific phototherapy techniques

• The Importance of Symbolism, and Projection in the use of images as therapeutic tools (Ulla Hakola, Del Loewnthal, Judy Weisser)
• The Family Album (Judy Weisser, Rodolfo de Bernart)
• The Self-Portrait (Rossy Martin, Christina Nunez, Jo Spence, Judy Weisser)
• Re-Enactment Phototherapy (the individual as creative narrator, object, and viewer of the Self)
• PhotoArt Therapy (where Photography meets the plastic arts)

The importance of photography and symbolism in storytelling

• Documentary Photography, Mugshot Photography
• Photography as a strategy to empower students primarily through visual literacy, photography and creative writing (Literacy Through Photography)
• Participatory Photography, Photo Voice, Community Photo Therapy

Speaker Bios

Dafni Kalafati was born in Athens in the early eighties. She studied Intercultural Education and Photography and then pursued a Master’s degree in Art Therapy at the School of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There she worked for several years at the public Mental Health Foundation “Borda” as an Art Therapist using new media (video and photography) as therapy tools. At the same time she was involved in documentary filmmaking and has since created a multitude of documentaries. She currently lives in Lefkada, where she divides her time between conducting Art Therapy and Participatory Video workshops and producing documentaries. Since 2008 she is a founding member and President of the NGO AMAKA. where she directs, designs and implements international Art Therapy programs for vulnerable groups.

Niovi Stavropoulou was born and raised in Athens. After obtaining a BSc Psychology degree, she continued her studies in Photography and specialised in Art Psychotherapy (MA Art Psychotherapy) at the University of Edinburgh. She has worked in Scotland in the NHS and later in various mental health centres in Athens for children and adolescents with developmental disorders.  She is a founding member of the NGO AMAKA, which plans, organises and coordinates group therapy workshops through Art for vulnerable groups, and a permanent associate of the Museum of Cycladic Art, where she implements cultural access programmes for people with disabilities. She also offers individual psychotherapy sessions and supervision to psychologists and health professionals.

Enri Canaj was born in Tirana, Albania in 1980, where he lived during his early childhood. In 1991 he moved with his family to Greece, immediately after the opening of the borders. Based in Athens, he covers stories in Greece and the Balkans through photography. He studied photography at the Leica Academy in Athens and in 2007 he participated in the British Council’s project on migration. Since 2008 he has been working as a freelance photographer for very important media such as Time Lightbox, CNN Photo, New York Magazine, MSNBC Photography, Wall street journal, Courrier international, Vice Magazine, The Financial Times, Newsweek, Le monde and is now part of the Magnum team. Parts of his work have been presented at the Arles Festival, the Thessaloniki Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hanover Lumix Festival, the Benaki Museum, the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, the BOZAR Center for Fine Arts, the National Bank Cultural Foundation, the Bilgi Santral in Istanbul, the European Parliament in Brussels and the Athens Photo festival. He has received the following awards for his work and exhibitions on refugees. He has received the following awards for his work and exhibitions on refugees: the PhotoPhilip Jones Griffiths Award for the Grand Prix 2017, Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation, LUMIX Festival for Young Photojournalism.

Yannis Kafkas was born in Athens in 1980, where he grew up. He completed his studies in Psychology at the University of Crete and his postgraduate studies in Documentary Photography at Newport, University of Wales. He has also trained in Systemic and Narrative approaches, as well as in the use of Photography in Psychotherapy and Counselling. He has organised and facilitated phototherapy groups for children, adolescents and adults, as well as socially disempowered groups in various settings, such as for the Child & Family Support Centre of the SOS Children’s Villages, the Special Youth Detention Centre of Vlora, the NGO AMAKA and various schools in Athens. He works both as a psychologist and a photographer.

Info

Launch: Friday 3 February 2023 | 17.00-20.00
Calendar: Friday 5:00-8:00 pm, 3/2/23, 10/2/23, 2/17/23, 2/24/23, 3/3/23, 10/3/23, 3/17/23, 3/24/23, 3/31/23, 7/4/23, 4/21/23, 4/28/23
Duration: 12 weeks  | Total hours: 36
Venue: amaka studio, 11 Agiou Nikolaou, 11741 Koukaki (near <M> Syngrou-Fix)
Cost: 350€ payable in one lump sum or in 3 instalments. 

Places are limited. Pre-registration required.
Payment of the tuition fees: A 30€ advance payment (until 30/11/22) followed by the remaining amount which needs to be cleared by the completion of the seminar.

• From the first sessions, participants will have the opportunity to experiment with phototherapy techniques, while being invited to apply their new theoretical knowledge through an experiential process.
• Personal photography equipment is not a prerequisite. However, participants who have their own equipment are advised to bring it along.
• Participants who complete the Introductory Circle will receive a Certificate of Attendance. This certificate does not certify the trainee as a professional Phototherapist.

More information:

www.amaka.gr | info@amaka.gr | (0030) 6932959732