The therapeutic use of photographs in the United Kingdom criminal justice system

• Published in: European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling 2015-01, Vol.17 (1), p.39-56
• Main Author: Loewenthal, Del
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: apprendimento emotivo; apprentissage affectif; aprendizaje emocional; Bildtherapie; Criminal justice; criminal justice system; emotional learning; emotionales Lernen; Emotions; fotografia terapeutica; fotografía terapéutica; Fototerapia; Learning; photographie thérapeutique; phototherapy; photothérapie; Psychotherapy; sistema de justicia criminal; sistema della giustizia penale; Strafvollzug; systeme judiciaire; talking pictures therapy; therapeutic photography; therapeutische Bilder; therapeutischer Einsatz von Bildern; usage thérapeutique des photographies; uso terapeutico di fotografie; uso terapéutico de fotografías; θεραπευτική φωτογραφία; θεραπευτική χρήση των φωτογραφιών; συναισθηματική μάθηση; σύστημα ποινικής δικαιοσύνης; φωτοθεραπεία
• ISSN: 1364-2537; 1469-5901
• DOI: 10.1080/13642537.2015.1006132

This article reports on three approaches (Talking Pictures Therapy, Talking Pictures Books/Photobook Dads and Photo-assisted Employability/Rehabilitation) developed by the author, after a literature review, that were used to train the seven partners from six countries taking part in the EACEA funded 'PhototherapyEurope in Prisons' project. This project aims to address the emotional learning of prisoners through the use of photographs. The approaches are described and case studies from the UK part of the pilot are provided. Preliminary findings suggest that the therapeutic use of photographs in prisons is potentially a cost-effective method, allowing fast access to clients concerns. Phototherapy seems particularly suitable to be used in this context as it provides a unique means of expression for those who are rarely given a voice, potentially reducing cultural and language barriers.