Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography
SAFPAC Photographic Psychotherapy Training 2026/27
SAFPAC Photographic Psychotherapy Training 2026/27
SAFPAC's Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography is a specialist training programme exploring the use of photographs and photography in counselling and psychotherapy.
The course is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, psychologists, healthcare professionals, photographers and others interested in developing their understanding of the therapeutic use of photography.
The programme can be undertaken as a stand-alone Certificate or as an optional module within SAFPAC's UKCP training in Existential-Analytic Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy.
The course is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, psychologists, healthcare professionals, photographers and others interested in developing their understanding of the therapeutic use of photography.
The programme can be undertaken as a stand-alone Certificate or as an optional module within SAFPAC's UKCP training in Existential-Analytic Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 programme 14 Saturdays | Live online | Starts 12 September 2026
What are phototherapy and therapeutic photography?
Phototherapy and therapeutic photography explore how photographs and photographic practices can support therapeutic reflection, communication and meaning-making.
Photographs can provide a different way of approaching memories, relationships, identity and significant experiences when words alone may be difficult or insufficient.
The course takes a critically informed approach, considering not only the therapeutic possibilities of photography but also questions of interpretation, culture, representation, ethics and the therapeutic relationship.
What does the training cover?
This course is for those who wish to be introduced, through practice-based approaches, to the following major approaches to phototherapy and therapeutic photography:
a) Facilitating emotional learning in self and others through the following major approaches to phototherapy and therapeutic photography:
c) Develop an appreciation of Phototherapy and therapeutic photography theory and research
d) Developing co-counselling skills in the contexts of phototherapy and therapeutic photography.
Assessment
To receive the Certificate, requirements include the successful completion of a portfolio of 500 - 1000 words plus photographic material for each of five approaches to phototherapy and therapeutic photography.
Who is the course for?
The training is particularly relevant to:
UKCP and SAFPAC
SAFPAC is a UKCP organisational member within the Constructivist and Existential College (CEC) and provides UKCP training in Existential-Analytic Psychotherapy and Existential-Analytic Psychotherapeutic Counselling.
From 2026, SAFPAC provides an optional module in phototherapy and therapeutic photography, including supervision for participants using such practices as part of their clinical work.
The Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography is also listed by UKCP among SAFPAC's courses.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UKCP
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFPAC'S UKCP TRAINING
Teaching and research
The course is taught by Professor Del Loewenthal, whose research and publications have contributed significantly to the development of phototherapy and therapeutic photography.
His work includes Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography in a Digital Age, as well as research into talking pictures therapy, community phototherapy and the therapeutic use of photographs.
The course connects this research with practical and critically reflective exploration of photographic practices in therapy.
READ MORE ABOUT RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Course details
2026/27 programme
Format: Live online teaching
Duration: 14 Saturdays
Starts: 12 September 2026
Ends: 3 July 2027
The programme, delivered through live online sessions, combines teaching, discussion, experiential learning and opportunities to consider the implications of photographic practices for therapeutic work.
Participants are encouraged to engage critically with the material and to consider how visual and photographic practices might relate to their own professional context.
Course dates:
Autumn Term
• Saturday 12 and 19 September 2026
• Saturday 17 and 31 October 2026
• Saturday 28 November 2026
• Saturday 12 December 2026
Spring Term
• Saturday 9 and 30 January 2027
• Saturday 20 February 2027
• Saturday 20 March 2027
Summer Term
• Saturday 24 April 2027
• Saturday 22 May 2027
• Saturday 12 June 2027
• Saturday 3 July 2027
Certificate
Successful participants receive a Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography from SAFPAC.
The Certificate provides a focused programme of study in the therapeutic use of photography and is particularly suitable for practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge and practice in this specialist area.
Fees for 2026/27
SAFPAC trainees, clinical members and associate members
£850 for the programme
or
£318 per term
Non-SAFPAC applicants
£1,105 for the programme
or
£418 per term
Fees are for the 2026/27 academic year.
Frequently asked questions
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy refers to therapeutic practices involving photographs and photographic images within counselling, psychotherapy and related psychological work. Photographs may provide a focus for exploration, reflection, communication and meaning-making.
What is therapeutic photography?
Therapeutic photography refers to photographic activities undertaken with therapeutic or personally meaningful purposes. This can include creating photographs, photo stories, photo diaries, portraits and other photographic practices that facilitate reflection and exploration.
What is the difference between phototherapy and therapeutic photography?
The terms overlap but are often used to distinguish between different ways of using photography therapeutically. Phototherapy generally refers more specifically to the use of photographs and photographic processes within therapeutic relationships, while therapeutic photography can encompass a broader range of photographic activities undertaken for therapeutic purposes.
Do I need to be a photographer?
No. You do not need professional photographic skills or experience. The course focuses on the therapeutic and psychological possibilities of photography rather than photographic technique.
Is this phototherapy training for counsellors and psychotherapists?
Yes. The programme is particularly relevant to counsellors, psychotherapists and other psychological practitioners who want to explore how photography can be incorporated thoughtfully into therapeutic practice.
Is the course UKCP approved?
SAFPAC's Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography is listed by UKCP as a course offered by SAFPAC. The phototherapy and therapeutic photography training is also offered as an optional module within SAFPAC's UKCP training, with supervision available for up to half of such practices.
Can I take the Certificate as a stand-alone course?
Yes. The Certificate can be undertaken as a stand-alone programme. It is also available as an optional module for participants undertaking SAFPAC's UKCP training.
Is the course online?
Yes. The 2026/27 programme is delivered through live online teaching.
How long is the course?
The 2026/27 programme consists of 14 Saturdays across the academic year.
Will I be able to use phototherapy in my clinical practice after completing the course?
The training is designed to develop knowledge and skills for the thoughtful and ethically informed use of photography in therapeutic contexts. Practitioners remain responsible for working within their professional competence, ethical requirements and relevant regulatory or professional standards.
Do I need to have my own camera?
No specialist camera equipment is required. The course is concerned primarily with the therapeutic meaning and use of photographs rather than photographic technique.
Why study phototherapy and therapeutic photography with SAFPAC?
SAFPAC offers a distinctive approach to therapeutic photography training because the programme brings together:
Apply for the Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography
If you are interested in developing your understanding and practice of phototherapy and therapeutic photography, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please complete the application form which can be found here. Applicants will be offered a place following a successful interview (there is no charge for the interview). To secure a place once offered a deposit within 2 weeks of £200 (£150 SAFPAC Clinical Members) is required.
The 2026/27 programme begins on 12 September 2026.
APPLY NOW
CONTACT SAFPAC
Further information
For further information about the Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography, including eligibility, course requirements, fees and application, please contact SAFPAC.
You can also explore SAFPAC's wider UKCP psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling training, research and publications, and other professional training opportunities.
Phototherapy and therapeutic photography explore how photographs and photographic practices can support therapeutic reflection, communication and meaning-making.
Photographs can provide a different way of approaching memories, relationships, identity and significant experiences when words alone may be difficult or insufficient.
The course takes a critically informed approach, considering not only the therapeutic possibilities of photography but also questions of interpretation, culture, representation, ethics and the therapeutic relationship.
What does the training cover?
This course is for those who wish to be introduced, through practice-based approaches, to the following major approaches to phototherapy and therapeutic photography:
a) Facilitating emotional learning in self and others through the following major approaches to phototherapy and therapeutic photography:
- Talking pictures therapy
- Re-enactment phototherapy
- The taking of therapeutic photographs
- The creation of therapeutic photo-books and photo stories
- Therapeutic photo diaries
- The use of photo-cards in training, team, and management development
- The development of action plans through photography
- The therapeutic use of portraiture (including 'selfies')
c) Develop an appreciation of Phototherapy and therapeutic photography theory and research
d) Developing co-counselling skills in the contexts of phototherapy and therapeutic photography.
Assessment
To receive the Certificate, requirements include the successful completion of a portfolio of 500 - 1000 words plus photographic material for each of five approaches to phototherapy and therapeutic photography.
Who is the course for?
The training is particularly relevant to:
- psychotherapists and counsellors
- psychologists and other mental health professionals
- healthcare and helping professionals
- photographers interested in therapeutic practice
- practitioners interested in creative and visual approaches to therapy.
UKCP and SAFPAC
SAFPAC is a UKCP organisational member within the Constructivist and Existential College (CEC) and provides UKCP training in Existential-Analytic Psychotherapy and Existential-Analytic Psychotherapeutic Counselling.
From 2026, SAFPAC provides an optional module in phototherapy and therapeutic photography, including supervision for participants using such practices as part of their clinical work.
The Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography is also listed by UKCP among SAFPAC's courses.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UKCP
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFPAC'S UKCP TRAINING
Teaching and research
The course is taught by Professor Del Loewenthal, whose research and publications have contributed significantly to the development of phototherapy and therapeutic photography.
His work includes Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography in a Digital Age, as well as research into talking pictures therapy, community phototherapy and the therapeutic use of photographs.
The course connects this research with practical and critically reflective exploration of photographic practices in therapy.
READ MORE ABOUT RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Course details
2026/27 programme
Format: Live online teaching
Duration: 14 Saturdays
Starts: 12 September 2026
Ends: 3 July 2027
The programme, delivered through live online sessions, combines teaching, discussion, experiential learning and opportunities to consider the implications of photographic practices for therapeutic work.
Participants are encouraged to engage critically with the material and to consider how visual and photographic practices might relate to their own professional context.
Course dates:
Autumn Term
• Saturday 12 and 19 September 2026
• Saturday 17 and 31 October 2026
• Saturday 28 November 2026
• Saturday 12 December 2026
Spring Term
• Saturday 9 and 30 January 2027
• Saturday 20 February 2027
• Saturday 20 March 2027
Summer Term
• Saturday 24 April 2027
• Saturday 22 May 2027
• Saturday 12 June 2027
• Saturday 3 July 2027
Certificate
Successful participants receive a Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography from SAFPAC.
The Certificate provides a focused programme of study in the therapeutic use of photography and is particularly suitable for practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge and practice in this specialist area.
Fees for 2026/27
SAFPAC trainees, clinical members and associate members
£850 for the programme
or
£318 per term
Non-SAFPAC applicants
£1,105 for the programme
or
£418 per term
Fees are for the 2026/27 academic year.
Frequently asked questions
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy refers to therapeutic practices involving photographs and photographic images within counselling, psychotherapy and related psychological work. Photographs may provide a focus for exploration, reflection, communication and meaning-making.
What is therapeutic photography?
Therapeutic photography refers to photographic activities undertaken with therapeutic or personally meaningful purposes. This can include creating photographs, photo stories, photo diaries, portraits and other photographic practices that facilitate reflection and exploration.
What is the difference between phototherapy and therapeutic photography?
The terms overlap but are often used to distinguish between different ways of using photography therapeutically. Phototherapy generally refers more specifically to the use of photographs and photographic processes within therapeutic relationships, while therapeutic photography can encompass a broader range of photographic activities undertaken for therapeutic purposes.
Do I need to be a photographer?
No. You do not need professional photographic skills or experience. The course focuses on the therapeutic and psychological possibilities of photography rather than photographic technique.
Is this phototherapy training for counsellors and psychotherapists?
Yes. The programme is particularly relevant to counsellors, psychotherapists and other psychological practitioners who want to explore how photography can be incorporated thoughtfully into therapeutic practice.
Is the course UKCP approved?
SAFPAC's Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography is listed by UKCP as a course offered by SAFPAC. The phototherapy and therapeutic photography training is also offered as an optional module within SAFPAC's UKCP training, with supervision available for up to half of such practices.
Can I take the Certificate as a stand-alone course?
Yes. The Certificate can be undertaken as a stand-alone programme. It is also available as an optional module for participants undertaking SAFPAC's UKCP training.
Is the course online?
Yes. The 2026/27 programme is delivered through live online teaching.
How long is the course?
The 2026/27 programme consists of 14 Saturdays across the academic year.
Will I be able to use phototherapy in my clinical practice after completing the course?
The training is designed to develop knowledge and skills for the thoughtful and ethically informed use of photography in therapeutic contexts. Practitioners remain responsible for working within their professional competence, ethical requirements and relevant regulatory or professional standards.
Do I need to have my own camera?
No specialist camera equipment is required. The course is concerned primarily with the therapeutic meaning and use of photographs rather than photographic technique.
Why study phototherapy and therapeutic photography with SAFPAC?
SAFPAC offers a distinctive approach to therapeutic photography training because the programme brings together:
- Psychotherapy and counselling Explore photography within established therapeutic relationships and practices.
- Existential and phenomenological perspectives Consider meaning, experience, identity and the therapeutic relationship.
- Research and scholarship Engage with established research and writing on phototherapy and therapeutic photography.
- Critical thinking Explore questions of culture, representation, power, ethics and interpretation rather than treating photographic techniques as universally applicable.
- Practice-based learning Consider how photographic practices might be used thoughtfully within real therapeutic contexts.
- UKCP context Study within an organisation that provides UKCP training in existential-analytic psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling.
Apply for the Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography
If you are interested in developing your understanding and practice of phototherapy and therapeutic photography, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please complete the application form which can be found here. Applicants will be offered a place following a successful interview (there is no charge for the interview). To secure a place once offered a deposit within 2 weeks of £200 (£150 SAFPAC Clinical Members) is required.
The 2026/27 programme begins on 12 September 2026.
APPLY NOW
CONTACT SAFPAC
Further information
For further information about the Certificate in Phototherapy and Therapeutic Photography, including eligibility, course requirements, fees and application, please contact SAFPAC.
You can also explore SAFPAC's wider UKCP psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling training, research and publications, and other professional training opportunities.
