Photography and Clinical Psychology: From Self-Knowledge to Professional Practice
Fotografía y psicología clínica: ¿puede utilizarse la fotografía dentro de una intervención psicológica?

Fotografía y psicología clínica: ¿puede utilizarse la fotografía dentro de una intervención psicológica?
There are people who continue to live within us even when they are no longer present: our mother, father, a sibling, a partner, or a close friend. Someone we loved deeply. Even someone with whom we had a difficult relationship.
At the same time, there is increasing evidence that photography is not merely a way of recording reality. It can also become a tool for observing ourselves, understanding our experiences, and developing new ways of relating to our lives.
Today, I can affirm that the work ANDANA has developed over the years through the “Photography to Get to Know Yourself” Programme is supported by academic and scientific evidence.
Now, a newly published study confirms what many people already knew. Photographs have a transformative power.
There is something we know, even if we can’t always explain it: images affect us. A photograph can move us, unsettle us, or even stir something deep within without us fully understanding why.
According to the 2024 Mental Health Atlas by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide currently suffer from a mental health disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common.
In recent years, science and personal testimonies have brought to light something that has always been there: not everyone thinks in images.
In a world full of constant rushing, obligations, and stimuli, finding a moment of calm is a revolutionary act.
Modern society pushes us to stay constantly engaged in digital tasks and connections, yet we often remain disconnected from our surroundings and inner world. In the face of this reality, practicing mindfulness emerges as a powerful tool for returning to what’s essential: the here and now.
A self-portrait in therapeutic photography is more than just a visual representation; it serves as a powerful tool for self-knowledge and exploring emotions and identity.