Therapeutic Photography Course

Class dates: September 13 — October 25, 2025

Course duration: 7 weeks

Classes start at 11:00 AM (EST) / 17:00 (CET)

Format: Online, via Zoom

Over seven weeks, you will explore photography as a tool for self-reflection and creative growth. You will leave with a deeply personal body of work and the skills to keep using photography as a grounding, transformative practice for years to come. We hope you join us.

The most profound shift came when I turned the camera toward myself. For the first time, I looked at the woman behind the lens with curiosity and compassion.

What I carry forward is more than a body of work; it’s a new way of seeing, feeling, and creating. This course ignited a fire within me—one that still burns, fueling my work, my vision, and the way I move through the world.

— Kari

Lilit’s course was both enlightening and transformative. Without this course, I may have never have given myself the challenge to turn my camera around and explore self-portraiture.

Because of this course, I have a broader understanding of photography, an artist’s journal, and greater empathy for the woman (myself) behind the camera.

— Meghanne

What is therapeutic photography?

Judy Weiser, a pioneer in the field, describes therapeutic photography as photo-based, self-directed activities that foster healing and self-reflection, without requiring a therapist.

Therapeutic Photography is a creative practice that uses photography as a tool for self-reflection, healing, and personal growth. It’s not about technical perfection but about connecting with your emotions and expressing your inner world through images.

Is This Course for You?

This course is a good fit if you:

Are seeking to slow down, connect with yourself, or try something new.
Want to explore photography as a personal and expressive practice.
Are seeking a safe, non-judgmental community for sharing your work.
Value personal feedback and gentle guidance.
Are curious about blending creativity with self-reflection.
Work at any skill level, from beginner to professional, and any medium.
Care more about meaning than about technical perfection.

Please note, that this course is not intended as a professional training program for those seeking to work therapeutically with others or teach this method. It is designed primarily for your personal growth and creative exploration.

What You’ll Leave With

By the end of our time together, you’ll have:

A personal photography project that reflects your story.
A toolkit of creative prompts and exercises to spark inspiration anytime.
A deeper understanding of photography as a tool for self-reflection and healing.
Personalized feedback that helps you see your work and yourself in new ways.
Confidence in your creative voice and trust in your process.
Connections with a small, supportive group of like-minded creatives.

What’s Included

When you join, you’ll receive:

6 live group sessions (2.5–3 hours each) with lectures, discussion, and feedback.
1 dedicated project week with optional 1:1 check-in during that time.
Weekly personal feedback on your work.
A small, intimate group (max 12 students).
Session recordings for review at your convenience.
A guest speaker sharing their creative process.
Inspiring examples of therapeutic photography from various artists.
Access to our digital classroom and supportive community of fellow artists.

The Process

Each class is divided into two parts. During lectures, we will look into theory and study works of different artists whose practices are connected to memory, emotion, and storytelling. I’ll also share examples from my own projects and creative process.

The second part of each session is dedicated to you, the students. We’ll spend time looking at each other’s weekly assignments and sharing reflections. This is a crucial part of the course, but sharing and doing assignments is always optional.

Each class lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the number of students present.

Lilit approaches everything with great care, allowing each participant to move at their own pace, while still offering a very well-structured course filled with rich, inspiring content.

This course was incredibly meaningful and inspiring for me — it helped me reconnect with photography on a more personal and self-reflective level.

— Magdalena

Lilit is a great teacher, the lectures were interesting and inspiring and she was able to create a real community in class.

I’ll continue to use the methods I learned and I would recommend the class to anyone looking for new ways engage with themselves and the world.

— Lily

Course Author

Hello, I am glad you are here. My name is Lilit, although everyone calls me Lilo. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with immigrant and refugee communities, exploring themes of belonging, identity, and human connection through my lens. These experiences, combined with my background in Psychology, inspired me to create this Therapeutic Photography course.

My journey with therapeutic photography began during one of the most challenging periods of my life. Now, it’s an integral part of my daily life and creative practice. Developing this course has been a labor of love, taking years of dedicated research and refinement. I’ve drawn from a diverse range of sources, including artistic research, psychology studies, and Buddhist literature, to create a holistic approach to visual self-expression and healing.

I believe that each of us has a powerful story to tell, and sometimes, words alone aren’t enough. That’s where the camera comes in. Whether you’re grappling with change, seeking to reconnect with your creativity, or simply looking to express yourself in a new way, I’m here to guide you on this journey.

I hope you join us.

Reserve Your Spot

Instructions for living a life.

Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

― Mary Oliver

Course Schedule

(the course schedule may be adjusted slightly to better suit the interests and needs of the students)

Week 1

Introduction. Foundations of Therapeutic Photography

Introductions with our wonderful group.
Explore the rich history of therapeutic photography.
Learn techniques to cultivate mindfulness through your lens.
Begin your first creative assignment.

Week 2

Personal Projects

Explore how to initiate and develop a meaningful personal project.
Discover meaningful projects by various artists and their techniques.
Review your second assignment and start your third creative journey.

Week 3

Creative Journaling with Our Guest Speaker (TBA)

Learn journaling techniques for photographers with our guest speaker.
Discuss the integration of writing and visual storytelling.
Share and discuss your first assignment; receive your second creative task.

Week 4

The Power of Self-Portraiture

Discover self-portraiture as a tool for self-expression and self-discovery.
Explore techniques for creating meaningful self-portraits.
Share and discuss your first assignment; receive your second creative task.

Week 5

Working with Archives

Uncover the stories hidden in personal and family archives.
We will play a game during class with images I will ask you to bring.
Share your progress on personal projects.

Week 6

Dedicated Time for Your Projects

This week is all about you. There will be no lecture, but I will hold online office hours for anyone who wants to stop by for personalized feedback, discuss assignments, or get guidance on their projects.

Week 7

Celebration of Your Final Work and Reflections

Present and celebrate your final works.
Reflect on your journey and plan your path forward.
The last (secret) assignment.

Words From Our Students

“I’m so glad a friend sent me the information about Lilit’s Therapeutic Photography course. It found me just at the right time, in a deep period of creative- and self-reflection. I learned so much from the course material, of course, but the assignments and exchanges with Lilit and the other participants around each other’s creations was particularly special. Such a kind, supportive, and encouraging space expertly facilitated by Lilit with people of many different levels of photography experience & styles from all around the world.

Thank you for this deeply enriching experience. I’m excited to continue to work on the ideas that started to take seed during the course & highly recommend it to anyone who is intrigued by this topic — follow your instincts!”

Claire

“Personally, I learned retelling a story through images is a way to express feelings symbolically. It can bring focus to the positive elements in your life and leave worries and preoccupation with heath or sadness aside. I discovered that with a camera in my hands, I slowed down. I center on the beauty of nature and its calming influence.

Lilo’s teaching of self-awareness through the use of the visual structure of the selfie brought a sense of true identity before the stresses of life and sickness came into play. Art brings these things to us subconsciously, but after this class, I am more aware of the healing power of self-expression.”

Nancy

“I came away from the course with several new technical and creative ideas. The final outcome was quite nice, as my wife was deeply touched by the book I created, and I made a second copy for my granddaughter so she could appreciate the special bond she shared with her grandma.

The course also rekindled my journaling practice, something I will probably continue long term. It was an inspiring experience that reminded me of the power of photography to connect us to our loved ones and our own stories.”

Peter

“Therapeutic Photography” came at a time when I was ready to explore myself though I did not fully know what it meant. Lilit created a space and time allowing us to find the best pathway for each of us without expectations.

The most valuable result was to find myself feeling so connected to the other women at a time where I was feeling so disconnected to myself. The weight of what I thought I would be looking at to a place of self acceptance and letting go changed. It opened the door to myself in a way i was not expecting — what a gift.”

Philomena

“Lilit’s course was both enlightening and transformative. She sees each of her students and encourages them to explore that which may be just outside of where they reside comfortably as a photographer.

Without this course, I may have never have given myself the challenge to turn my camera around and explore self-portraiture. Because of this course, I have a broader understanding of photography, an artist’s journal, and greater empathy for the woman (myself) behind the camera.”

Meghanne

“This course was more than photography—it was about truly seeing. It invited me to pause, breathe, and notice light in ordinary moments. In those quiet spaces, I uncovered pieces of myself, stitched together in the whispers of shadow and color—a rediscovery of family stories woven into archives.

The most profound shift came when I turned the camera toward myself. For the first time, I looked at the woman behind the lens with curiosity and compassion.

What I carry forward is more than a body of work; it’s a new way of seeing, feeling, and creating. This course ignited a fire within me—one that still burns, fueling my work, my vision, and the way I move through the world.”

Kari

“I feel like the space I entered during these weeks was about more than just Therapeutic Photography and, in fact, more than psychology and photography as a whole. The way Lilit was so attentive to each participant, gave feedback, and created space for everyone to share their feelings was truly special. The lectures and topics came together like pieces of a puzzle. I really appreciated that the assignments were never forced, yet there was always a natural desire to complete them and share.

Throughout all these meetings, I kept feeling a deep confirmation that I’m on the right path. It’s as if, at the same time, I planted the seeds of projects that had been growing inside me for a long time, and here they finally started to take shape. Thank you.”

Aziza

“Lilo creates a warm, supportive atmosphere that made me feel truly free and safe — especially when it came to sharing personal work that can be emotional and deeply moving. She approaches everything with great care, allowing each participant to move at their own pace, while still offering a very well-structured course filled with rich, inspiring content.

I’m especially grateful for how she consistently highlights the importance of joy. In creative processes, it’s so valuable to shift the focus away from the end result and instead embrace a joyful journey — one that can be deeply healing.

This course was incredibly meaningful and inspiring for me — it helped me reconnect with photography on a more personal and self-reflective level.”

Magdalena

“I loved this course. It gave me a framework to really think deeply about a lot of things. The mix of images and writing helped me reflect on experiences and process things I hadn’t quite been able to put my finger on before.

Lilit is a great teacher, the lectures were interesting and inspiring and she was able to create a real community in class. I’ll continue to use the methods I learned and I would recommend the class to anyone looking for new ways engage with themselves and the world.”

Lily

“Such a transformative course! At first, I was doubtful about whether I really wanted to apply, but it was so right. Lilit has a careful, sensible and loving way of leading the course, and her consistently appreciative comments and feedback, are fantastic. They ground a field of confidence and trust, that helps to enjoy and open up.

Lilit showed me a whole new facet of my photography with her stimulating exercises and assignments. The entire course group, with so many different, interesting and admirable people, was inspiring and caring. All in all this course delivers 1000 percent on its promise — and more!”

Claudia

“I really enjoyed the course and especially appreciated the way Lilo created such a wonderful safe space for all the photographers to explore what they find therapeutic in their art.

I highly recommend this class if you’re interested in diving deeper into what inspires your photography.”

Jane

“Lilo’s class was a marvel. She offered such a warm, loving and playful container for each person to grow their relationship to photography in such intimate and exploratory ways. I was frequently in awe of the art that people brought forth, the depth of truth, the personal creative life force, the ways people played and got beautifully lost in the process of exploring photography in new, intimate ways.

The depth and layers of art people created are such a testament to the space Lilo created for us. I’m so grateful I got to be a part of this!”

Maya

Images by Our Students

(shared with permission and love)

Photo by Kari Bishop

Photo by Geghani

Photo by Nancy Rosene

Photo by Kari Bishop

Photo by Lily Raymond

Photo by Jane Feely

Photo by Kari Bishop

Photo by Nancy Rosene

Photo by Kari Bishop

Photo by Lily Raymond

Photo by Philomena

Photo by Kari Bishop

Photo by Jane Feely

Photo by Nancy Rosene

Photo by Philomena

Photo by Peter

Photo by Benedita

Photo by Meghanne

Photo by Magdalena

Photo by Aziza

Photo by Claudia

Featured Student Project:

Kari Bishop

In Between Waking refers to the hypnopompic space—the threshold where sleep loosens its grip but waking hasn’t yet taken hold. This series uses underwater photography to explore states of suspension, change, and what stirs beneath the surface. It emerged through brief moments of clarity, developing into four chapters that trace an emotional arc: unraveling softness, gathering strength, crossing internal thresholds, and becoming through release. This structure didn’t just shape the photographs—it became a visual record of my own passage forward.

I create entirely underwater in my backyard pool using an Olympus TG-7 point-and-shoot. Natural light filters through trees above the deep end, creating shifting conditions that often determine whether an image becomes color or monochrome. My subjects are friends and family—people I trust. I use Exposure software for minimal post-processing—primarily bokeh, vignette, and tonal adjustments. The prints vary in size, reflecting how fragments of a dream linger in memory—some sharp, some faint, some larger than life.

This project began when I realized the water offered a way to process the fragility and impermanence of life. The first time I photographed in the pool, it felt like something I had dreamt but never fully remembered. That day, something shifted. Journaling had carried me part of the way, but the water became the vessel where I could release, reshape, and let go.

At its core, In Between Waking is about finding strength in the still places that hold us — a quiet act of transformation I hope to share as a book.

All images and text are by Kari Bishop and are shared with permission.

Photo by Kari Bishop

Pricing & Details

We keep this course small so that each participant receives personal attention.

You can join the standard version of the course, or choose the mentorship option if you’d like more one-on-one guidance.

Therapeutic Photography Course

6 live group sessions (~2.5 — 3 hours each) with lectures, discussion, and feedback.
1 dedicated project week with optional 1:1 check-in during that time.
Weekly personal feedback on your work.
A small, intimate group (max 12 students).
Session recordings for review at your convenience.
A guest speaker sharing their creative process.
Inspiring examples of therapeutic photography from various artists.
Access to our digital classroom and supportive community.

Early Bird Price (until Sept 1): $420

Regular Price (after Sept 1): $550

Join the Course

Course + Mentorship

For those looking for more personalized guidance and deeper creative support, I offer a limited mentorship option alongside the course. Because my time is limited, I only accept two mentees to ensure you get the attention and care you deserve.

Includes everything in the standard course, plus:

Three personalized 50-minute sessions (including one session scheduled within one month after course completion).
Guidance on project development, editing and sequencing, artist statements, submissions to publications and competitions.
Support during the course as you apply what you’ve learned.

Early Bird Price (until Sept 1): $720

Regular Price (after Sept 1): $850

Join the Course + Mentorship

We can offer an installment plan with two payments upon request.

Before signing up, please take a moment to read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We look forward to welcoming you!

FAQs

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who wants to explore photography as a mindful and healing practice, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer. It’s ideal for those seeking to slow down, connect with themselves, or try something new.

Do I need to have a professional camera?

Not at all! You can use any device you’re comfortable with, whether it’s a DSLR, a smartphone, or even a simple point-and-shoot camera. The focus is on the process, not the equipment.

Is this course therapy?

While the course is therapeutic in nature, it is not a substitute for professional therapy. Instead, it offers a creative and reflective practice that complements emotional well-being and self-discovery.

What do I need for the course?

To participate in this course, you’ll need a camera (any camera) and a new journal for writing exercises, reflections, and notes throughout the course. Lastly, access to a printer or printing service is beneficial, as you’ll print your images during the later part of the course as part of the creative process.

How long is the course, and how is it structured?

The course lasts 7 weeks, during which we’ll meet for 6 live group sessions. There is also one dedicated project week, featuring optional office hours during that week.

Each session combines lectures, discussions, and reviews of students’ assignments. Classes typically run between 2.5 and 3 hours, depending on the number of participants present. We include a short break halfway through to keep the experience immersive while helping you maintain energy and focus throughout.

What happens if I can’t make a live session?

Sessions are recorded, and you’ll have access to the recordings so you can catch up at your own pace.

Will I need to share my work with others?

Sharing your work is entirely optional. While we encourage a safe and supportive environment for sharing and feedback, you can participate in ways that feel comfortable to you.

Will there be a community aspect to this course?

Yes, and that’s my favorite part! You’ll have the opportunity to connect with a supportive group of like-minded individuals who are also exploring therapeutic photography.

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?

I offer a limited number of need-based discounts, typically to one student per course. If you think this might help you participate, please reach out to me at danielyan.lilith@gmail.com to discuss. I want to support those who are truly committed and in need.

Can I gift this course to someone else?

Absolutely! You’re welcome to gift the Therapeutic Photography course to a loved one. Just make sure they’re excited and ready to participate! When you’re ready, please send us an email at danielyan.lilith@gmail.com to arrange the details.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept most major currencies, including US Dollars (USD) and Euros (EUR). During checkout, you can select your preferred currency. Please contact us if you want to arrange an installment plan.

What is your cancellation or refund policy?

Due to the limited spots and the personalized nature of the course, all sales are final and we do not offer refunds or cancellations. Please be sure this course is the right fit for you before enrolling. However, we understand that extenuating circumstances may occur. If you experience such circumstances, please contact us directly at danielyan.lilith@gmail.com to discuss your situation.

If I purchase the Course + Mentorship plan, what does the mentorship include?

The mentorship includes 3 sessions (50 minutes): personalized feedback on your work, guidance on developing and editing personal projects, help with preparing submissions for competitions or galleries, support with writing artist statements, and technical advice like Lightroom editing.

Who is the mentorship best suited for?

This option is ideal for students who want a deeper, more hands-on experience and personal guidance beyond the course content. If you’re looking to develop a specific project or portfolio with support, mentorship is a great fit.

How long does the mentorship last?

The mentorship runs concurrently with the course duration and includes scheduled one-on-one sessions (50 minutes each). One of these sessions can be scheduled within a month of completing the course.

Is mentorship required to take the course?

No, mentorship is optional. The standard course provides all core content and community support, while mentorship is an additional layer for those seeking more personalized guidance.

Join a supportive community where you can explore photography as a tool for self-discovery and healing. This course offers space to connect with your creative voice and develop a personal practice that stays with you beyond the classroom.

If you notice anything,
It leads you to notice
more
and more.

― Mary Oliver

Join Us

Do you still have questions?

Feel free to send us a message using the form below or email us directly at danielyan.lilith@gmail.com