The Body Knows: The Power or Somatic Awareness in Counselling

Counselling is often seen as a process of self-exploration through words. Unpacking thoughts, making sense of emotions and finding new perspectives.

But sometimes, words alone aren’t enough.

Some of our feelings live in the body before they reach the conscious mind…..for example, tension in the shoulders, a fluttering stomach or a sudden, inexplicable urge to take a deep breath.

This is where somatic awareness comes in. The word somatic comes from the Greek somatikos, which means ‘of the body’, derived from soma meaning ‘body’ and is the practice of tuning into bodily sensations as a way to understand, process, and regulate emotions. This doesn’t just happen in quiet moments of reflection, the body speaks in movement, in art and in the way we interact with our surroundings. It speaks when we run our hands over a textured surface, when we get lost in a landscape or when a piece of music sends shivers down our spine.

This is gold dust to therapists and clients alike and by bringing these bodily experience into counselling, we powerfully open up new pathways for insight and healing that goes way beyond cognitive understanding.

So how does the body hold and processes emotion?

Science has long supported the idea that emotions are deeply embodied and neuroscientist, Dr. Antonio Damasio, argues that feelings originate as bodily sensations before we even begin to interpret them as emotions. In his book ‘The Feeling of What Happens’, he describes how the brain and body are constantly in conversation, continuously shaping our experience of the world.

Similarly, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, in the now infamous book; ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, explores how trauma isn’t just held in the mind, but stored in the nervous system as well. This explains why people who have experienced trauma may react physically, by flinching, freezing or feeling suddenly nauseous, before they even register an emotional response.

Importantly, understanding this mind-body connection can help clients move beyond intellectual analysis and into a more holistic, embodied way of processing their experiences.

Ways to Use Somatic Awareness in Counselling by engaging the senses

Bringing the body into counselling doesn’t have to mean structured exercises or formal techniques. Often, it’s simply about paying attention to how the body reacts to different experiences and then using those reactions as a guide.

Here are a few ways you can explore somatic awareness:

Engaging with Nature: The Body’s Response to Beauty

There’s a reason people instinctively head for the countryside when they need to clear their heads. Research shows that spending time in nature has measurable effects on the nervous system. A study from the University of Exeter, found that just two hours a week in nature significantly improves mental health, reducing stress and enhancing overall wellbeing.

Even small interactions with natural beauty such as a particularly striking tree or the way sunlight moves across a river can shift the body into a state of ease. Encouraging clients to notice their physical response in these moments can deepen their awareness.

Do they breathe more easily? Feel warmth in their chest? A lightness in their arms and legs? These subtle shifts can serve as anchors and reminders that the body is capable of experiencing safety and calm, when perhaps this hasn’t been the case for a long time for a client.

The Power of Touch: Feeling as a Way of Knowing

We often underestimate the power of physical contact with the world around us. Textures, temperatures and sensations have the ability to ground and regulate us in ways we may not even realise.

Encouraging clients to tune into their sense of touch; whether through pressing their feet into the earth, running their fingers over a wooden surface, or holding a warm cup of tea, can be an effective way to bring awareness back to the present moment.

This principle is at the heart of many grounding techniques. Psychologist Dr. Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing, suggests that feeling physically supported (for example, by pressing one’s hands against a surface or holding onto something with weight) can signal safety to the nervous system, helping to shift the body out of stress responses.

Seeing Things Differently: How Art and Photography Evoke Emotion

Visual perception is another powerful way to access bodily awareness. A painting, a photograph or even the way light falls across a room can evoke a profound felt sense; a physical reaction before we even put words to it.

Photography, in particular, can be a useful tool in counselling. Asking clients to take photos of things that resonate with them; whether a particular landscape, a shadow pattern or an object that holds meaning - can provide insight into what their body is drawn to and why.

Art therapy research shows that creating or engaging with visual art also activates different areas of the brain than verbal processing. This can be particularly helpful for clients who struggle to articulate emotions but can feel them in their bodies when interacting with images or colours.

Movement and Gesture: Expressing What Words Can’t

Not all emotions are meant to be talked through….some are meant to be moved through. Studies in somatic psychology suggest that simple movements, like stretching, swaying or even clenching and releasing fists, can help the body process feelings that have become stuck.

Counsellors can explore this with clients in subtle ways. Asking, “If this feeling had a movement, what would it be?” or “How does your body want to move right now?” can open up new and profound ways of expressing emotions.

For some, this might look like drawing slow circles with their hands while they speak. For others, it might mean taking a deep breath and physically shaking off tension. The key is to let the body lead, rather than imposing a predetermined idea of what movement “should” look like.

The Role of Somatic Awareness in Emotional Resilience

By helping clients reconnect with their physical sensations, we offer them tools for self-regulation. When emotions feel overwhelming, the body can become an ally rather than an enemy and a source of grounding and wisdom rather than something to be ignored or fought against.

Research from the Mindfulness Centre at Brown University, shows that developing somatic awareness can improve emotional resilience, reducing the intensity of stress responses over time. This is because learning to notice and name bodily sensations, helps shift the brain from reactivity to awareness, creating space for more intentional responses.

Counselling is not just about unravelling thoughts, it is about reconnecting with oneself in a full-bodied way. Somatic awareness offers an opportunity to listen to what the body is communicating, whether through touch, movement, visual perception or a deep sense of ease in nature.

By integrating bodily experience into counselling, we move beyond intellectual understanding into something deeper; an intuitive, sensory-based wisdom that has been there all along, just waiting to be noticed.

If you would like to join an experiential half day course using somatics for visualisation and mediation, click here for our Awareness, Balance and Calm Course

White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., Bone, A., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9, 7730. University of Exeter. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3

Free Flow: The Power of Mark Making in Therapy

By Kaz Hazelwood

Have you ever noticed how a simple doodle can reveal more than words? That a few scribbles on a page can capture emotions we struggle to articulate? As therapists, we often rely on conversation to explore our clients’ inner worlds, but sometimes words alone aren’t enough. This is where mark making; a seemingly simple yet profoundly insightful practice, comes into its own.

The Language of Lines

Mark making is more than just drawing; it’s a way of giving form to feelings and translating the unconscious onto paper. Whether it’s through free-flowing lines, repeated patterns, or structured exercises, this approach can bypass the analytical mind and tap directly into deeper emotional layers. There’s no need for artistic skill, just a willingness to engage with the process and see what emerges.

For clients who struggle to express their thoughts verbally, putting pen to paper can be a liberating experience for both children and adults. A hurried, jagged line might express frustration, while a slow, circular pattern may reveal a need for comfort and containment. By noticing these patterns, we can invite useful reflection and discussion in a way that feels natural rather than forced and even humour can reveal the implicit.

Free-drawing exercises can help clients visualise obstacles, express unspoken fears, or even map out potential solutions. The brain engages differently when we work with our hands, often unlocking fresh perspectives and new insights that wouldn’t have surfaced through dialogue alone.

Therapists can also guide clients in reworking or altering their marks as a metaphor for personal change. Encouraging a client to revisit an old drawing and modify it can reflect their evolving mindset, helping them to reframe past experiences and develop a sense of agency over their personal narratives.

A Tool for Every Therapist

Using pen and paper in therapy isn’t just about creativity, it’s about accessibility. Unlike traditional art therapy, which may require specialised materials or training, mark making can be seamlessly integrated into any therapeutic practice. A biro and a scrap of paper can become a powerful bridge between conscious thought and subconscious insight.

From exploring emotions to mapping out thoughts, pen and paper offer therapists a cost-effective and highly adaptable toolkit. Whether used in structured exercises or as a spontaneous addition to a session, these tools can help unlock hidden narratives, bring clarity to confusion, and enhance client engagement in unexpected ways.

Marks of Progress

Some therapists use this approach to help clients track changes in their emotional states over time. By revisiting past marks, patterns, and shapes, clients can reflect on their progress and identify recurring themes in their emotional landscapes. This can be an empowering process, reinforcing the idea that their emotions are valid and that they have a means of expressing them beyond language.

The Science Behind Mark Making

Research supports the idea that engaging in creative expression can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. Studies have shown that even brief periods of drawing, doodling, or mark making can activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and fostering a sense of relaxation and accomplishment. Neuro-imaging studies have revealed that engaging in creative tasks enhances connectivity between different brain regions, particularly those involved in emotion regulation and problem-solving. Additionally, expressive mark making can help reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, thereby promoting physiological relaxation. The repetitive, rhythmic nature of certain drawing techniques has also been linked to mindfulness and meditative states, further reinforcing its therapeutic benefits. As a result, incorporating creative activities into therapy can serve as a valuable addition to verbal communication, helping clients process emotions in a non-verbal yet deeply impactful way.

For neurodivergent clients or those who struggle with verbal communication, these techniques can be particularly valuable. The sensory experience of drawing; the pressure of a pen against paper and the movement of the hand can be grounding and provide an alternative means of emotional regulation.

Bringing It into Your Practice

If you’re curious about how to harness the power of mark making in your therapeutic work, consider experimenting with it in your sessions. You don’t need an art background, and your clients certainly don’t need to be ‘good’ at drawing. The key is to create a non-judgmental space where exploration is encouraged, and interpretation remains open-ended.

Encouraging clients to reflect on their marks without forcing analysis, can deepen their connection to their emotions and enhance self-awareness. The process itself is often more revealing than the final image, making mark making an invaluable tool in any therapist’s repertoire.

Join us to transform your therapeutic practice with innovative, resource-efficient techniques. Expand your creative capabilities and make a meaningful difference in your clients' lives with just a few simple tools on our Between the Lines Course.

The Magic of Metaphor in Counselling: The Power of "It's Like..."

By Kaz Hazelwood & Simon Heath

As therapists, coaches, and counsellors, our work is fundamentally anchored in language. We use it to communicate, understand, and create meaningful connections with our clients. But sometimes, it’s not just the words themselves that hold the key to unlocking understanding, it’s the way we use them. A simple phrase like “It’s like…” can open up a world of insights, and that’s where the true magic of metaphor comes in. This humble linguistic tool is far more than a poetic flourish or a clever turn of phrase, it is a powerful gateway to deeper understanding, emotional clarity, and creative problem-solving.

Metaphors possess a special kind of transformative power. They can help clients express emotions, ideas, and experiences that might otherwise feel too complex, overwhelming, or abstract to articulate. When words fail to capture the essence of a feeling, metaphors swoop in, offering a bridge between something intangible and something more concrete and It’s through metaphors that we can navigate the labyrinth of human experience with greater ease. We can move to unlock the hidden layers of thought and emotion that our clients may not even realise are there. The beauty of a metaphor lies not only in its ability to explain, but also in how it opens the door to richer exploration, offering both the client and the therapist a fresh perspective. It’s a form of creative expression; one that can invite new insights and profound shifts in understanding.

Metaphors Make the Invisible Visible

It’s a scene that plays out in almost every session: the client who describes their experience with the metaphor, “I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders,” or “My mind feels like a ball of wool.” These metaphors don’t merely describe an emotion or a situation, they transform an abstract feeling into something tangible, something the client can see and engage with. They allow us, as therapists, to gain a clearer understanding of the emotional landscape our clients are navigating. Without these metaphors, we might struggle to access the depth of their experiences, leaving them stuck in their emotional worlds, but with them, we can begin to uncover the layers that may otherwise remain hidden.

The reason metaphors are so effective, is that they allow us to communicate the complex and often confusing inner experiences of our clients in a way that is both understandable and relatable. Research from the University of California, Berkeley, indicates that metaphors can facilitate greater engagement with emotional experiences and stimulate problem-solving, by activating areas of the brain that are involved in both cognitive processing and emotional regulation (Gibbs, 2008). Essentially, metaphors help us make the invisible visible or the unconscious conscious, allowing the client to see their struggles from a fresh perspective and enabling us to dive deeper into their emotional landscape. In the process, the metaphor becomes a mirror, reflecting the client’s internal world in a way that is both accessible and impactful.

What’s truly remarkable about metaphors, is how they provide emotional distance. By framing an emotional experience as something external, be it a weight on the shoulders, a storm, or a cloud hovering overhead, the client can step back and look at their emotions with more objectivity. This distance often allows them to process what they’re feeling without becoming overwhelmed by it. It’s as though the metaphor gives them the space to breathe, to view the experience with less intensity, and to engage with it in a way that makes it easier to navigate. This emotional separation doesn’t diminish the importance or validity of the feeling, it simply allows for a more manageable exploration. As a result, metaphors create an emotional safe space, enabling both the therapist and the client to work through difficult material without getting lost in it.

The Creativity of "It's Like..."

There’s something inherently creative about metaphors. They aren’t confined by logic or linear thinking, instead, they invite both the client and the therapist to think outside the box, to embrace new ways of seeing and understanding the world. When I ask a client to finish the sentence, “My feelings are like...,” I’m often astounded by the variety and richness of responses. One might describe their anxiety as “a storm; it’s unpredictable, powerful and out of control,” while another might say, “My sadness is like an empty desert; there’s no sign of life, no sense of direction.”

These metaphors are powerful not just because they articulate the client’s emotional experience, but because they offer a glimpse into how they perceive their struggles. They provide a window into their inner world, often revealing things that might not have been expressed otherwise. These creative metaphors are a language unto themselves, one that reveals as much about the client’s mindset as it does about their emotional state, and once the metaphor is in place, it becomes a tool for deeper exploration.

The real magic happens when we use the metaphor as a starting point for conversation. We can ask the client questions like, “What might help calm that storm?” or “How could we bring some life to that desert?” These questions don’t simply reflect a desire to understand the client’s experience, they actively invite the client to reflect, explore, and problem-solve. What begins as a poetic description of their feelings, can quickly evolve into a dynamic exploration of potential solutions, coping strategies, and new ways of thinking about their challenges. By encouraging clients to work with their metaphors, we can open up space for creative problem-solving and insight, offering fresh perspectives that might not have emerged through regular conversation.

Metaphors for Change

What’s perhaps most fascinating about metaphors is that they’re not static. As clients evolve, so too does their use of metaphors. At the start of therapy, a client might describe their experience as “a brick wall; solid, impenetrable, and unyielding,” but over time, as they begin to process their emotions and develop new coping mechanisms, that metaphor may shift. The brick wall might become a mountain; still a formidable challenge, but one that can be scaled. Or, perhaps it transforms into a river; something that flows around obstacles rather than smashing into them. These changes in metaphor can be some of the most telling signs of progress in a client’s journey and incredibly useful for you and the client to understand their progress.

Not only do these shifts indicate personal growth, but they also provide a tangible way to measure change. When clients begin to view their challenges differently, when their metaphor evolves, it’s a clear sign that they are shifting their mindset and reframing their experiences. And this shift can be super-empowering. It reinforces the idea that their journey is not a fixed, linear path but one that is dynamic and full of possibility.

Metaphors allow us to frame change in a way that feels less overwhelming. Rather than perceiving their struggles as insurmountable or unchanging, clients can begin to see them as evolving challenges that can be navigated . This shift in perspective creates space for resilience to develop. It reminds them that change, although difficult, is a natural part of life—and it’s something they have the ability to move through, giving them hope for future challenges, understanding that life issues not usually permanent, personal or pervasive.

So, metaphors are far more than just a creative addition to our sessions, they are a powerful tool for making the invisible visible, for unlocking deeper understanding, and for facilitating meaningful change. Through metaphors, clients can express their experiences in ways that words alone cannot capture. We, as therapists, coaches, and counsellors, are then able to engage with those expressions, unlocking new insights and possibilities for growth. So, the next time you sit with a client, encourage them to finish the sentence, “My feelings are like…” You might just be amazed at the treasure trove of insights that comes tumbling out.

References:

Gibbs, R. W. (2008). The Cambridge Handbook of Metaphor and Thought: Ideology, Culture, and Communication. Cambridge University Press.

Unlocking the Mind’s Potential: The Power of Guided Visualisation in Therapy

By Kaz Hazelwood

We often hear the phrase “seeing is believing,” but in the world of therapy, this idea goes even further, as sometimes seeing is healing. Guided visualisation is a powerful tool in therapy that taps into the mind’s ability to create vivid mental images, shaping emotional experiences and creating profound change. By guiding clients to picture specific scenarios, situations, or outcomes, we as therapists can help unlock unconscious thoughts, uncover hidden emotions, and promote healing, all without the need for words.

But guided visualisation is not just about imagination, it’s about intentionally directing the mind towards a positive, transformative experience. It’s a way of harnessing the mind’s natural creative power to shift perspectives, provide clarity, and encourage emotional regulation. For therapists, counsellors, and coaches, this tool can be invaluable for helping clients work through challenges, reduce stress, and achieve personal growth. And the best part? It doesn’t require any complex equipment, just a quiet space, some time, and intuition. Check out our Awareness, Balance and Calm Course.

The Mechanics of Guided Visualisation

Guided visualisation may sound simple, but it’s not always as easy as just asking someone to “close their eyes and imagine.” The process involves leading the client through a series of mental images, prompts, or instructions designed to evoke specific emotions or thoughts. Whether it’s asking the client to envision a peaceful scene to reduce anxiety or picturing a successful outcome to enhance motivation, the therapist’s voice becomes the guide that directs the client through their inner world.

Research supports the effectiveness of visualisation in various therapeutic settings and in fact, studies have shown that mental imagery can activate the same areas of the brain as actual experiences, meaning that the mind often doesn’t distinguish between what’s real and what’s imagined. This is where the magic happens: by imagining the future, success, peace, or safety, clients can begin to feel as if those experiences are already happening or may happen. For example, visualising a calm and serene beach can prompt feelings of relaxation, which may then lead to a reduction in physical tension, stress, or anxiety.

A 2017 study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that athletes who used guided visualisation techniques not only improved their performance but also experienced a boost in self-confidence. This principle is no different in therapeutic settings and by visualising a positive future, clients often feel more capable of taking the steps required to make that future a reality and they may realise a few surprises along the way.

Enhancing Emotional Regulation with Guided Imagery

One thing it can achieve is emotional regulation; a central part of mental well-being, and visualisation plays a key role in helping clients gain control over their emotions. Imagine a client experiencing overwhelming anxiety before an important event or presentation. Guided visualisation could lead them to a mental ‘safe space’; a place where they can feel grounded and secure. As they immerse themselves in this place, the sensations of calmness, comfort, and control could begin to replace feelings of fear and unease.

For clients dealing with trauma, visualisation can be a valuable tool in creating a sense of safety. By guiding the client to mentally ‘go to’ a safe place or imagining a protective figure or force, the therapist helps the client regain a sense of power and control. This can be especially helpful in cases of PTSD or other forms of trauma, where the mind and body are often in a constant state of fight-or-flight. By shifting their focus to a mental space where they feel secure, clients can activate their parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging relaxation and reducing physiological symptoms associated with stress and trauma.

What’s truly fascinating about visualisation is its ability to empower clients. When clients can mentally rehearse successful outcomes, whether it’s overcoming a challenge, speaking confidently in public, or resolving conflict, they build both emotional resilience and self-belief. Over time, these visualisation practices can promote a sense of agency, allowing clients to approach life’s challenges with a calm, grounded mindset.

Tapping into the Unconscious Mind

One of the most powerful aspects of guided visualisation is its ability to bypass the conscious mind and access the unconscious. Often, our conscious thoughts are clouded by judgement, anxiety, and overthinking. But the unconscious mind operates differently, storing emotions, memories, and beliefs that are often beyond our conscious awareness. Through visualisation, we can open the door to these unconscious realms and bring hidden issues to the surface.

Imagine a client who struggles with feelings of inadequacy, yet can’t pinpoint the source. Through a guided visualisation, the therapist might invite them to visualise an earlier version of themselves; perhaps as a child or teenager, and explore what messages they received during that time. Often, clients uncover memories or experiences that have shaped their current perceptions and behaviours. This process helps to bring the unconscious into the light, offering valuable insights that can then be worked through in therapy.  An example of this could be if someone pictures themselves as a seven year old at the kitchen table, hesitating to share their excitement with their parents for fear of being dismissed. This memory could reveal a deep-seated belief that their voice doesn’t matter; a pattern that may unconsciously be carried into adulthood, leading to self-doubt and a need for validation. Bringing this into awareness allows the client to challenge the belief in therapy, helping them gradually build confidence and assert themselves in relationships and work. Over time, they could begin trusting their voice, recognising that their thoughts and feelings are valid.

In addition, imagery brought up in visualisation exercises can act as a metaphor, providing clients with a framework for understanding and dealing with emotional conflicts. The symbolism within a visualisation can speak volumes to the unconscious mind, offering clarity where words alone may fall short. Whether it’s a scene of a storm clearing to reveal a rainbow or a person reaching the top of a mountain, the metaphorical images serve as powerful tools for personal reflection and healing.

Exploring the Potential of Guided Visualisation

You don’t need to have a script written in stone to guide your clients through visualisation exercises, what’s most important is creating a safe, trusting environment where the client feels comfortable to explore their inner world. Whilst it’s not necessary to write a visualisation script, the narrative you create needs to be tailored to the client’s individual needs, using language that resonates with them and evokes a sense of presence and engagement. You may want to focus on stress reduction for some clients, while others might benefit from visualising their goals or healing from past trauma.

The beauty of guided visualisation is its versatility. It can be adapted to suit virtually any therapeutic context, whether it’s helping a client with anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, or grief. It’s a flexible tool that can be used in one-on-one sessions, group settings, or even in a self-help capacity. But just as important as the exercise itself is the space for reflection afterwards, what did the client see, feel, and experience? How can those insights be applied to their everyday life?

For those curious about how to develop their skills in guided visualisation and meditation, there are opportunities to deepen your practice and broaden your therapeutic toolbox. Guided visualisation is more than just a technique, it’s an art. And when done effectively, it can open doors to profound transformation.

If you’d like to learn more about how to incorporate guided visualisation and meditation techniques into your therapy practice, why not learn more about our experiential Awareness, Balance & Calm course.

References:

Moriarty, H. (2014). The Science of Visualisation: How Guided Imagery Works in Therapy. Psychology Today.

Reiser, E., & Krause, M. (2017). The Role of Guided Imagery in Healing and Self-Discovery. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(6), 1122-1135.

Wider Horizons: Drawing Inspiration from the World Around Us with Ecotherapy through Photography

By Simon Heath

As therapists, we often encourage our clients to reflect on their inner world, explore their emotions, and confront the challenges that shape their lives. But often the key to unlocking new insights and creativity doesn’t always lie within the confines of the therapy room, but instead, in the world around us. What if the answers to our deepest questions could be found in a photograph, a walk in the park, or a moment spent observing the world from a different perspective?

This is where the power of ecotherapy and the art of photography come into play. By engaging with nature or capturing moments through a lens, we can draw on the inspiration that exists all around us. Whether we’re on a solitary walk or admiring the details in a single photograph, these external experiences can become gateways to self-discovery, healing, and transformation. And as therapists, we have the privilege of guiding our clients to tap into these sources of inspiration to fuel their growth.

Ecotherapy: The Healing Power of Nature

It’s no secret that spending time in nature can have profound effects on our mental well-being and we here at Counselling Toolkit experience this first hand every time we meet a client for an ecotherapy session. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and enhancing cognitive function, studies have long shown that time spent outdoors has a direct positive impact on mental health and this form of therapy, often referred to as ecotherapy, uses nature as a tool to promote healing and well-being.

Ecotherapy is more than just a walk in the park; it’s a practice that invites clients to reconnect with the natural world and, in turn, reconnect with themselves. In many ways, it’s about slowing down and learning to observe, whether that’s the movement of leaves in the wind, the intricate patterns in a tree’s bark, or the stillness of a nature reserve; often feeling that power without obviously noticing it, often reflected upon when one leaves that environment. The natural world offers a sanctuary where clients can find solace, perspective, and clarity an environment I often refer to as ‘the natural guide’

For clients struggling with stress, anxiety, or even more profound issues such as trauma, a simple walk in nature can provide a sense of grounding (quite literally). In the process, clients may experience a shift in perspective that allows them to look at their struggles from a new vantage point. Nature has an incredible way of putting things into perspective, reminding us that the world is vast, and our problems, though significant at the time, are part of something much larger.

From a therapeutic standpoint, ecotherapy encourages mindfulness; attuning clients to the present moment and allowing awareness of the natural beauty around them. As they step outside and engage with the world, clients begin to feel more connected not just to their environment, but to themselves. And this sense of connection can be a powerful catalyst for healing. So, next time you suggest a walk, remember it’s not just about getting steps in; it’s about engaging with the world in a way that nurtures the mind and soul.

Photography: Capturing the Essence of the World

While nature has a unique ability to heal, photography adds another layer to the equation by allowing us to see the world in new ways. Photography is more than just capturing an image; it’s about noticing the details, finding meaning in the ordinary, and looking at the world from a fresh perspective. As a tool for self-reflection, photography encourages clients to pause and observe, noticing the beauty in things they might have otherwise overlooked.

When clients take up the lens, whether as part of an ecotherapy session or as a standalone exercise, they engage with their environment in a deeper, more intentional way. A simple walk through a forest, a park, or even a bustling street can become an opportunity for exploration and self-expression. Photography invites clients to capture moments that speak to them, be it the play of light on a leaf, the way the water reflects the sky, or the patterns found in everyday life. In these moments, clients not only connect with the world around them but also with their own inner world, giving them an opportunity to express emotions and thoughts that might otherwise be difficult to articulate.

The beauty of photography as a tool in therapy is that it offers an external focus. By encouraging clients to look through the lens of a camera, we guide them to focus on something other than their internal struggles. And in doing so, they often gain clarity, inspiration, and new perspectives. Photography can help clients uncover metaphors and symbols that resonate with their personal experiences, whether they’re capturing a fleeting moment of beauty or documenting the process of personal growth.

There is also the opportunity for reflection. A photograph, like a memory, can hold meaning that goes beyond the image itself. It can capture a moment of joy, a feeling of calm, or even an unresolved emotion. When clients look back at their photos, they can reflect on what feelings come up for them when they look at the image, revealing more about their inner landscape, and how they relate to their journey of healing. Photography, much like nature itself, becomes a mirror, a reflection of their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, captured from their unique frame of reference.

The world around us offers an endless source of inspiration and wonder. Whether through the calming influence of nature or the creative expression of photography, we can help our clients step out of their normal thought patterns and engage with the world in a way that promotes healing, self-awareness, and growth. By encouraging clients to look beyond themselves and draw inspiration from the environment, we offer them the chance to explore new possibilities, find new perspectives, and ultimately, rediscover their sense of purpose and connection.

If you would like to join our next on-line course on how to engage your clients in photography then integrate exercises to unearth the unconscious then click here for our ‘Frames of Reference’ course.

References:

Jordan, M., & Hinds, J. (2016). The Therapeutic Benefits of Ecotherapy: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of Mental Health, 25(3), 231-241.

Sullivan, K. (2018). Photography and Well-Being: Exploring the Relationship between Photography and Emotional Health. Journal of Visual Culture, 17(2), 187-205.