Therapeutic photography

Through my commercial work I began to realise the healing benefit of photography and how it can help people improve self confidence, self esteem and self efficacy.

I developed my theoretical knowledge of the subject by studying Therapeutic Photography at Robert Gordon University. This is an academic course (PG Cert) focusing primarily on therapeutic approaches such as attachment theory and applying them to personal issues. 

Since then I have been working with artist Cristina Nunez, studying SPEX (The Self Portrait Experience) which I have been delivering in workshops to participants at charities and groups around London.

I have done some one-to-one workshops in South London which have had a huge impact on the people I have worked with, as well as some group work.

SPEX helps people to:

  • Stimulate our unconscious creative process by transforming our emotions into photographic artwork

  • Enrich and empower our self-image and how we see ourselves.

  • Improve our perception of others and of society.

  • Focus on authentic human needs.

Feedback

"So grateful to have found and worked with Kimi. She has a healing quality and has a lot to offer - especially for artists. A transformative experience. Thank you." Actor Mitra Djalili

“It made me think of the complexities of emotion we carry and how I can observe them in images of myself rather than just wanting a 'great' picture. It's a reminder that whatever we bury we still hold and we still need to deal with it.” Rabinder Minhas (teacher)

Therapeutic Photography SPEX workshop September 2024

I am starting a weekly three-month course in therapeutic photography on Tuesday 17th September from 7.00pm-9.00pm. It will be in person in South London, close to West Norwood. 

There is no charge for the course but I am looking for people who can commit fully to this transformative process. I want to build a supportive group where we can help each other on our journeys. Often when one person in the group learns, we all learn.

Therapeutic photography helps with self-esteem, self confidence and your ability to take control of your life and feel the power of this.

I’m using SPEX, the Self-Portrait Experience, a method developed by an amazing artist called Cristina Nuñez with whom I have been studying. It focuses on emotions, expressing them and working with them.

Through the course we will:

  • Stimulate our unconscious creative process by transforming our emotions into photographic artwork

  • Enrich and empower our self-image and how we see ourselves.

  • Improve our perception of others and of society.

  • Focus on authentic human needs.

You will produce images which we will look at together and start to understand the multiple ways that your emotions can be perceived. Week by week we will build a self-portrait project that tells your story.

And through the work your story will change.

If you are interested, please drop me an email at kimigillphotography@gmail.com I’m happy to have a chat to explain more.