Photo Therapy

Drawing with Light: Inner and Outer

What is This Course About?

This is not a photography class.

A photograph is never just an image. It is a self-portrait of the soul, a confession from the unconscious, a story that finally finds its voice when words fail.

Have you ever felt heavy inside but couldn't name what you were feeling? Stood at a crossroads, unsure of what you truly want? Visited a doctor who said "nothing is wrong" when your body knew otherwise?

The memories that won't fade, the feelings that won't settle — they surface, quietly, through the lens.

🌟 Session 1: A Glimpse into the Journey

From May 12 to July 28, 2026, eight participants from diverse backgrounds — psychologists, photographers, art educators, and individuals seeking personal growth — walked this 12-week journey together. Some came for professional development. Some came with life's difficult questions. Some simply came to "see themselves."

In the end, they each left with a more whole version of themselves.

💬 What Participants Shared

"This photograph is not just about me — it's about my parents, too."

When I placed my photos on the wall, my parents walked into my room, stood there for a long time, and began to speak about memories from thirty years ago — dreams and nightmares we had never fully shared. The photograph opened a door. — Jozi

"I saw a part of myself I had never seen before."

Looking back at my childhood photos, I realized with clarity: my family had me learn piano, dance, calligraphy — everything except painting and photography. My true passion had never been seen. And that seeing, itself, was the beginning of healing. — Man

"When you're with people who share your struggle, you know you are not alone."

Every shared image told me: I am not the only one walking through the dark. That resonance was healing in itself. — Lucia

"I learned to feel with my body, not just analyze with my mind."

I used to try to "understand" my emotions. Now I am learning to feel them. When a photograph tightens my chest, I know there is a story waiting to be heard. — Mogudun

📊 Real Changes, Documented

Research and practice show that photographic therapeutic programs can:

✅ Break social isolation — In a supportive group environment, participants no longer feel alone. "When you're with people in similar situations, you realize you are not alone."

✅ Restore a sense of control — When many areas of life feel beyond our control, photography offers a space to choose, frame, capture, and tell our own story.

✅ Enable safe expression — Through images, we can express what we truly feel — without overexposing or overexplaining ourselves.

✅ Awaken body memory — When words cannot reach, images become a bridge — memories stored in muscle and fascia find their language through the lens.

Marka Kondrateva

Trauma-Informed Somatic Art Therapist | Art Therapy Mentor | Family Constellations Facilitator

Marka began her art therapy journey over a decade ago, inspired by her personal life challenges: emotional expression difficulties, allergies, PCOS, eating disorders, and body anxiety. These experiences, combined with systematic professional training, led her to develop an integrated, body-oriented healing approach.

She employs various tools including somatic art therapy, bilateral drawing, and photo therapy, integrating mindfulness, shamanic journeys, and conscious movement practices. She also emphasizes incorporating clients' existing mind-body practices—such as yoga, dance, qigong, or massage—to support holistic healing on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.

Additionally, she mentors emerging art therapists in building their professional practices, helping them use the body as a healing tool and learn to interpret visual expressions with depth and meaning.

This Course Is for You If You Are

A Seeker on a Personal Journey

· No photography experience needed

· Just a phone or a camera

· Ready to embark on a path of self-discovery

A Professional

· Psychologist, therapist, social worker

· Coach, facilitator, educator

· Looking to integrate arts-based healing into your work

Working in Specific Contexts

· Community work (youth, elders, refugees)

· Team building and organizational healing

· Personal coaching

· Special education

Course Approach

✓ Trauma-Informed — Addressing trauma in a safe container, respecting each person's pace and boundaries

✓ Phenomenological — Returning to direct experience, without analysis or judgment

✓ Person-Centered — Your rhythm, your exploration, your healing

✓ Process-Oriented — It's not about how beautiful the photo is, but what you experienced creating it

Certification and Completion Requirements

Upon completing all 12 weeks and fulfilling the requirements below, participants will receive

✓ Certificate of Completion — DRAWING WITH LIGHT: INNER AND OUTER — Trauma-Informed Photographic Art Therapy Systematic Course

✓ Continuing Education Credits: 2 CEUs — Applicable for professionals in psychology, social work, education, and related fields

· ✓ Full participation in all 12 sessions

· ✓ Submission of 12-Week Course Completion Feedback Form

· ✓ Submission of Personal Photography Portfolio (selected works created during the course)

· ✓ Submission of Reflective Essay on Creative Experience (documenting your journey and inner transformation)

(Please contact your course advisor for details on CEU accreditation.)

What You'll Need

· Professional camera (with different lenses) or mobile phone

· Natural light or easily accessible lamps

· A willing and open heart

· Weekly commitment: photograph, print, bring to share

Course Investment

Region Tuition Includes

International $268 USD 12-week systematic course + course materials + certificate + 2 CEU credits

Tuition Includes:

· ✓ 12 complete weekly sessions (2.5 hours each)

· ✓ Printed and digital course materials

· ✓ Personal Growth Portfolio workbook

· ✓ Certificate of Completion and 2 CEU credits

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at Iaetdaa@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Q: I have no photography experience. Can I join?

A: Absolutely! No photography experience is needed. A phone is enough. What matters is not technical skill, but what you see through the lens.

Q: Will this course help with my trauma-related issues?

A: The course is trauma-informed, providing a safe container for exploring related themes. However, please note that this is an educational and therapeutic program, not a substitute for professional therapy. If you are experiencing severe psychological distress, we recommend combining this course with individual therapeutic support.

Q: How can I use the CEU credits?

A: The 2 continuing education credits are applicable for professionals such as counselors, social workers, and educators. For specific accreditation requirements, please consult your local professional association.

About the Workshop

This is a 90-minute experiential workshop designed for psychotherapists, counselors, art therapists, and all professionals interested in non-verbal healing approaches. Through direct practice, you will discover how photography can serve as a therapeutic medium—reaching deep emotions and memories that words often cannot access.

The workshop is led by Marka Kondrateva, a somatic art therapist and family constellations facilitator. It also serves as an experiential preview of the 12-week training program "Drawing Light: Inner & Outer Landscapes — A Trauma-Informed Photographic Art Therapy Course."

No photography experience is required. All you need is a smartphone and an open heart.

Workshop Details

Duration：90 minutes

Format： Live online via Zoom

Language：English

Fee： Free

Equipment：Smartphone + natural light or a desk lamp

What You Will Experience

· Photography Walk — Follow a simple somatic prompt, photograph freely, and notice the connection between image and body

· Still Life as Projection — Arrange personal objects to represent a relationship or situation, photograph the composition, and receive observations from a partner

· Family Album Portrait — Reflect on a photo you bring, explore its nuances, and discover creative ways to transform your experience

· Group Reflection — Share insights, explore clinical applications, and gain an overview of the 12-week program

The International Arts Education & Therapy Development Academic Association

Drawing with Light: Inner and Outer

What is This Course About?

🌟 Session 1: A Glimpse into the Journey

📊 Real Changes, Documented

Core Course Information

Marka Kondrateva

This Course Is for You If You Are

Course Approach

Certification and Completion Requirements

Limited Seats Available - Act Now

What You Will Gain

Message from the Facilitator

Frequently Asked Questions

OPEN WORKSHOP

About the Workshop

Workshop Details

What You Will Experience

The International Arts Education & Therapy Development Academic Association

Drawing with Light: Inner and Outer

What is This Course About?

🌟 Session 1: A Glimpse into the Journey

📊 Real Changes, Documented

Core Course Information

Marka Kondrateva

This Course Is for You If You Are

Course Approach

Certification and Completion Requirements

Limited Seats Available - Act Now

What You Will Gain

Message from the Facilitator

Frequently Asked Questions

OPEN WORKSHOP

About the Workshop

Workshop Details

What You Will Experience

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