Revealing Inner Landscapes: The Transformative Power of Photo-Therapy

This talk will explore the therapeutic power of photography as a path for post-traumatic growth. Drawing from over a decade of clinical practice, Matan Sivan - social worker and photo therapist - will share how photography can help people process emotional pain, rebuild their sense of identity, and find new meaning after crisis or loss. Through the lens - both literal and symbolic - participants are invited to relate to their personal stories with curiosity, depth, and the possibility of transformation.

Photography allows us to see ourselves with creativity and compassion. It offers a way to express complex emotions that are often hard to put into words. When we revisit painful experiences with a camera, we begin to engage with them differently - not as passive witnesses, but as active authors of our story. The coal mines of the past - the places where we struggled in the dark - can become gold mines, full of insight, resilience, and inner joy. The pain doesn’t vanish, but it can be transformed into something meaningful, something we can grow from and carry with strength into the life ahead.

This event is relevant for all therapists and coaches who are interested in extending their knowledge of different theories and modalities, as well as anyone who is generally interested in psychology and self-development. This is an inclusive event open to all genders, and will include discussion as well as (optional) experiential moments.

Practicalities
The event will take place at Outsite in their Cowork Cafe featuring a happy hour menu with drink specials. Please support our venue by purchasing a refreshment. (Outsite Happy Hour Menu: €4 ginger mule mocktail/non-alcoholic, €4 wines by the glass, €3.20 beer)

We will begin promptly at 6.30pm so please ensure that you are seated before then so as not to disrupt the energy of the event.

There is no charge for attendance but we recommend a voluntary donation of at least €5 (cash only) for those who are willing and able to contribute to help cover the use of the venue, support for the presenters, as well as administrative costs.

If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to reach out to Kat LeRoy.

About the Presenter:
Matan Sivan is a clinical social worker and an experienced photo therapist, specializing in the intersection of creative expression and emotional healing. Over the past decade, he has developed a unique therapeutic approach that uses photography as a powerful tool for self-exploration, trauma recovery, and personal growth.

With a strong background in mental health, Matan works with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including addiction, psychiatric crises, grief, loss, and life transitions. He also facilitates men’s circles, creating spaces for honest conversation, connection, and healing.

His work is grounded in deep empathy, clinical expertise, and a belief in the transformative potential of creativity. Matan integrates therapeutic photography with verbal therapy, helping clients make meaning of their experiences, access inner resources, and reconnect with their sense of agency and identity.