Drawing with Light: Inner and Outer ——Trauma-Informed Photo Therapy 12-Week Systematic Course

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 languge through the lens.

Core Course Information
· Course Title:Drawing with Light: Inner and Outer - Trauma-Informed Photo Therapy 12-Week Systematic Course
· Format: Online Live Lecture Series (with recordings available)
· Hours: 30 hours (12 interactive lectures of 2.5 hours each)
· Instructors: Marka Kondrateva
· Start Condition: 12 participants minimum
· Start Date: To be confirmed together with the mentor and participants once the group is full
· Waiting List Deposit: $68 USD (deductible from tuition)
· Price:$268 USD
· Language: English

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

Waiting List Deposit: $68 USD (deductible from tuition)

Why a Waiting List?

To ensure every participant receives full accompaniment,

we do not wish to rush the start.

With 12 participants, we begin.

A waiting list is not registration.

It simply lets us know: you are willing to come.

How to Join the Waiting List

1. Pay the $68 USD deposit (deductible from tuition)

2. Leave your name and contact information

3. When 12 participants are reached → Confirm the start date together with the facilitator → Notify for formal payment and course start

Waiting List Deposit: $68 USD

12 participants minimum. Start date confirmed together.

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

Final Words

Light and shadow are never opposites.
Together they form a complete photograph,and together they form a complete person.
Drawing Light, Writing Shadow: Inner and Outer.
May we, through images,meet a more complete version of ourselves.
12 weeks. 12 participants.
Then we begin.
Cohort 2 waiting list is now open.