Powerful images taken as part of an innovative photography course delivered at Robert Gordon University (RGU) will go display next week.
For the past year, services users across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire have participated in therapeutic photography, a new intervention designed to explore self-esteem, self-efficacy, relationships and empowerment in a group environment.
Social work lecturer Neil Gibson from RGU’s School of Applied Social Studies developed the program as part of his PhD with support from senior lecturer Fiona Feilberg.
He used the program with a number of service user groups in the north east, and has delivered training on its delivery in Finland with RGU colleague Claire Marsden.
Almost 1,000 photographs have been produced over the last year and Mr Gibson has selected of the most powerful images for display at the Sir Ian Wood Building on Thursday, December 3.
Mrs Feilberg and Mr Gibson will host the free exhibition at which starts at 5pm in the building’s front amphitheatre.
Mr Gibson said: “The therapeutic photography course has developed over the last year and it’s been great to see how those involved have grown in confidence as the images have helped them articulate their feelings and perceptions of issues affecting their own lives.
“We hope as many people as possible can come along to see the photographs on display and learn about the positive impact the program has had.”
If you wish to attend the exhibition, please email RGU lecturer Fiona Feilberg via: f.feilberg@rgu.ac.uk
Fiona Feilberg is the head of CPD within RGU’s School of Applied Social Studies which involves developing and providing a range of innovative bespoke training to meet the need of practitioners in social work, social care, health, education and community groups.
The next Therapeutic Photography course starts on Monday, February 29, 2016 and Friday, March 4. Sessions run between 10am and 4pm at RGU’s Faculty of Health and Social Care building. You do not need any photography skills to sign up for the class, just a working camera.
More information about the course, which is priced at £120, and an online booking form is available on RGU’s website: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/social-work-and-social-sciences/study-options/short-courses/therapeutic-photography