Publication Date

2014

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Photography in psychotherapy, Photography-Psychological aspects, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Winnicott, D.W. (Donald Woods), 1896-1971, Jung, C. G. (Carl Gustav), 1875-1961, Subconsciousness, Dream interpretation, Symbolism (Psychology), Documentary photography, Photography, Clinical social work, Symbolism, Visual literacy, Photojournalism, Photovoice, Phototherapy, Instagram, Facebook, Social network, Transitional object, Play, Theoretical, Unconscious

Abstract

In this theoretical study, the photographic process was examined as having the potential to be used as a psychodynamic clinical tool in social work. Psychodynamic theoretical concepts by Carl Jung and Donald W. Winnicott were examined as guiding principles that will allow clinicians to understand how photography can be useful as a means to understand one's internal experience as well as external relationship with the world. This body of work presented current and potential uses of the camera as an instrument in interpreting the world according to one's subjectivity. In addition to theoretical examination, this research study also presented real application of photography as it is used by local communities to empower specific communities of color the use of photography as a clinical tool in social work is a potentially relevant and culturally lucrative opportunity in community advocacy and empowerment work. This research study ultimately focused on how one's disposition and willingness to observe, examine and express a subjective interpretation of the world through the photographic lens, acts as a means to elucidate that which is clinically relevant and conducive to create social change at different levels.

Language

English

Comments

iv, 44 pages. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, 2014. Includes bibliographical references (pages 40-43)

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