The Use of Phototherapy in Group Treatment for Persons Who Are Chemically Dependent

Abstract

This study used photography as a therapeutic tool and a present-focused approach in a 12-week group intervention to treat adults with chemical dependence enrolled in an outpatient treatment program. A qualitative analysis identified themes related to the topics of trust, honesty, self-worth, power, and abuse. Self-esteem, abuse, and trauma-related symptoms were also assessed using the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory (MSEI), the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI), and an abuse questionnaire. Pre- and posttests on the MSEI showed increases in self-esteem for all but one participant. The majority of participants also reported trauma-related symptoms, and all participants reported past abuse victimization.