As a student of English language and literature in school, I loved how poetic language could be, and the emotions invoked by a good piece of writing. Then, during my transition into coaching, I discovered photo therapy which I have integrated into my practice. The evocative images and thought-provoking phrases, serve as powerful stimuli for reflection, conversation, and emotional processing. In this article, I will explore the therapeutic properties of photo cards and how they enhance my coaching practice, drawing on relevant research.
Facilitating Emotional Expression
Research highlights the importance of emotional expression in promoting psychological well-being. Pennebaker (1997) discusses the healing power of expressing emotions, noting that doing so can lead to improved mental and physical health. Photo cards can act as catalysts for this expression. When my clients engage with an image that resonates with them, it often unlocks feelings and thoughts that may have been buried. As the adage goes, A picture paints a thousand words. For many of my clients, these cards act as a conduit for opening up and expressing their emotions, experiences, and aspirations. This is their a-ha moment to deeper self-awareness and insight.
Enhancing Mindfulness and Presence
Incorporating photo cards into coaching can also facilitate mindfulness, a state of active, open attention to the present. Siegel (2010) underscores the potential of mindfulness to address various everyday problems by helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. When clients are invited to select a card that speaks to them, they engage in a mindful practice, pausing to reflect on why a particular image resonates. This moment of contemplative engagement allows them to reflect on their current state of mind and encourages them to express their thoughts with intention.
Moreover, studies have shown that mindfulness practices can improve cognition and emotional regulation (Zeidan et al., 2010). By prompting this mindful assessment, photo cards can contribute to greater emotional stability and improved decision-making as clients navigate their personal and professional challenges. After all, everyone wants to be seen, heard and acknowledged, so photo cards are an invitation to open up.
Promoting Meaning Reconstruction
These seemingly innocuous photo cards have been proven to aid meaningful reconstruction, especially following adversity. Neimeyer and Holland (2020) discuss the concept of bereavement and post-traumatic growth, emphasising how reconstructing meaning after loss or trauma can lead to personal growth.
In my coaching sessions, photo cards can facilitate discussions around life events that feel overwhelming. For some clients, facing a real person, and speaking out their truths can feel overwhelming. The photo card, which acts as a doorway, invite clients to delve into how they can create meaning from their experiences. This visualisation have helped my clients redefine their narratives, placing the old, self-destructive with new, integrated and healing narratives.
Encouraging Positive Psychology
Incorporating principles of positive psychology, as outlined by Seligman (2002), is another reason I utilise photo cards. Positive psychology emphasises strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling life. Sometimes, clients desire happiness and fulfilment but are not able to define or describe what they really seek in life. Photo cards, with their inspirational imagery act as prompts for deeper discussions about hopes and aspirations. The positive framing inherent in the use of these cards aligns with therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing well-being and satisfaction in life.
Fostering Creative Expression
The creative arts occupy a significant role in therapeutic practices, as Perruzza and Kinsella (2010) illustrate. Creative expression allows for exploration beyond verbal communication, accommodating clients who may struggle to articulate their thoughts with words. By incorporating photo cards into coaching, I am able to tap into this creative form of expression. In my sessions, clients are also encouraged to respond to the cards in various ways—not only through verbal narration but also by drawing, journaling and through their own photography. This artistic engagement can unlock a deeper layer of understanding and connection to the self.
The use of photo cards in my coaching practice is rooted in their powerful capacity to facilitate emotional expression, enhance mindfulness, promote meaning reconstruction, encourage positive psychology, and foster creative expression. Like poetry and other works of literature, these cards are gateways to deeper self-exploration and understanding. By integrating research-backed practices into my coaching sessions, I am able to create an environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to navigate their journeys more effectively.
References
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond. Guilford Press.
Neimeyer, R. A., & Holland, J. M. (2020). Bereavement and post-traumatic growth: Meaning reconstruction and the experience of loss. American Psychological Association.
Pennebaker, J. W. (1997). Opening Up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions. Guilford Press.
Perruzza, N., & Kinsella, E. A. (2010). Creative arts occupations in therapeutic practice: A review of the literature. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 17(6), 556-562.
Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). *Authentic Happiness:
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