I filmed this performance at Nottingham Carnival 2010. This song is "Heaven In Her Eyes" by Reggae/Dancehall artist Gappy Ranks. The festival was great and attracts around 80,00 people during the two-day event!
This video was filmed using a Flip Ultra HD.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Monday, 17 May 2010
Audiovisual Therapy Professional Feedback
Today, I conducted a short interview with Paul Richards, a psychotherapist in Nottingham who specialises in anger management. After showing him the material that was produced as part of the study and explaining the purpose and intentions of the project, he provided some insight as to how effective he thinks Audiovisual Therapy might be at treating mental illness. Below are the short answers to a questionnaire I asked him to complete and some of the points that came up in the interview:
1. How effective would you say the methods highlighted by this study would be at inducing a relaxed state in a client? (Circle one)
Very Effective Moderately Effective Slightly Effective Not at all
2. Do you think this would be a successful treatment technique for anxiety? Please provide your reasons for why.
"Yes - ambient anchoring"
- Ambient anchoring is the process by which a mood can be set through music and imagery. For example, a video might be played to a group to set a positive atmosphere before discussion starts.
3. Could you see Audiovisual Therapy being used as a treatment for mental illness? If so, please describe what illnesses might be benefited.
"Yes - with mild (very mild) depression and anxiety - problem is there is no feedback to the medium."
4. Would you consider using Audiovisual Therapy as part of your practice? If so, how might you use it?
"Yes - in training and groups as an anchor."
5. What changes might you make to the material that was produced as part of this study and why?
"No, none at all."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During the interview Paul made several points, the most important of which are outlined below:
1. Audiovisual Therapy would be an effective tool for therapy when used for ambient anchoring. This method attempts to "anchor" an atmosphere or mood. This is useful when working with groups, as it produces a similar reaction by all of the clients and can positively influence the discussion.
2. The use of Audiovisual Therapy is similar to what Paul tries to achieve mentally. He says that he works with creating mental images in clients' minds and that it is the invitation to a feeling or belief that is significant, not the actual image itself. Through this way, Audiovisual Therapy would prove to be effective in changing mental processes and causing positive physical reactions to most individuals, most of the time. However, its purpose is a broad version of the "finesse" practice of actual therapy.
3. A major drawback of using Audiovisual Therapy material as a method of treatment is the factor of dependence. If a clip proves to be highly effective, for example to an insomniac, then psychological dependence could be formed, thus contributing to the problem. Paul states that especially for an individual who suffers from OCD, which by nature involves excessive repetitive actions, it could become an "unnecessary necessity".
1. How effective would you say the methods highlighted by this study would be at inducing a relaxed state in a client? (Circle one)
Very Effective Moderately Effective Slightly Effective Not at all
2. Do you think this would be a successful treatment technique for anxiety? Please provide your reasons for why.
"Yes - ambient anchoring"
- Ambient anchoring is the process by which a mood can be set through music and imagery. For example, a video might be played to a group to set a positive atmosphere before discussion starts.
3. Could you see Audiovisual Therapy being used as a treatment for mental illness? If so, please describe what illnesses might be benefited.
"Yes - with mild (very mild) depression and anxiety - problem is there is no feedback to the medium."
4. Would you consider using Audiovisual Therapy as part of your practice? If so, how might you use it?
"Yes - in training and groups as an anchor."
5. What changes might you make to the material that was produced as part of this study and why?
"No, none at all."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During the interview Paul made several points, the most important of which are outlined below:
1. Audiovisual Therapy would be an effective tool for therapy when used for ambient anchoring. This method attempts to "anchor" an atmosphere or mood. This is useful when working with groups, as it produces a similar reaction by all of the clients and can positively influence the discussion.
2. The use of Audiovisual Therapy is similar to what Paul tries to achieve mentally. He says that he works with creating mental images in clients' minds and that it is the invitation to a feeling or belief that is significant, not the actual image itself. Through this way, Audiovisual Therapy would prove to be effective in changing mental processes and causing positive physical reactions to most individuals, most of the time. However, its purpose is a broad version of the "finesse" practice of actual therapy.
3. A major drawback of using Audiovisual Therapy material as a method of treatment is the factor of dependence. If a clip proves to be highly effective, for example to an insomniac, then psychological dependence could be formed, thus contributing to the problem. Paul states that especially for an individual who suffers from OCD, which by nature involves excessive repetitive actions, it could become an "unnecessary necessity".
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Artefact 6 - Report
As a result of the previous Artefacts’ conclusions, Artefact 6 was based on exploring the possible applications for Audiovisual Therapy. After determining the most important elements to focus on, and highlighting the possibility of self-generated therapeutic clips, it was logical to pursue other areas where the results of this study could be put to use. In doing so, a
After conducting further research into mental illness and selecting some conditions that might be benefited from the results of this study, their respective treatments were compared to the methods that might be applied using Audiovisual Therapy. For example, phobias can be treated by self-help techniques and behavioural therapy. Both involve exposure to the fear, however behavioural therapy implements relaxation techniques to aid the treatment. Thus, exposure and relaxation could be achieved through moving images and audio. Depression can be treated with Cognitive Behahavioural Therapy, counseling, and Interpersonal Therapy. These involve finding the source of the problem and trying to change the thought process. In this case, visual content might provoke changes in thought patterns. With insomnia, sleep hygiene and stimulus control point out some interesting treatment techniques, most significantly resolving stress before sleep, and the fact that a stimulus can increase the chance of a behaviour occurring due to an association in the mind. As seen in the previous Artefacts, it is possible to induce a relaxed state, therefore resolving stress and when watched every night before bed, becomes a sleep-reinforcing tool.
Although the methods for treating these conditions have different roots, the common is that they ask for an effort to be made by the patient to explore further options for themselves. This outlook is shared by Audiovisual Therapy, and it is through the interaction of the user and the content that they are able to explore various therapeutic options.
After conducting further research into mental illness and selecting some conditions that might be benefited from the results of this study, their respective treatments were compared to the methods that might be applied using Audiovisual Therapy. For example, phobias can be treated by self-help techniques and behavioural therapy. Both involve exposure to the fear, however behavioural therapy implements relaxation techniques to aid the treatment. Thus, exposure and relaxation could be achieved through moving images and audio. Depression can be treated with Cognitive Behahavioural Therapy, counseling, and Interpersonal Therapy. These involve finding the source of the problem and trying to change the thought process. In this case, visual content might provoke changes in thought patterns. With insomnia, sleep hygiene and stimulus control point out some interesting treatment techniques, most significantly resolving stress before sleep, and the fact that a stimulus can increase the chance of a behaviour occurring due to an association in the mind. As seen in the previous Artefacts, it is possible to induce a relaxed state, therefore resolving stress and when watched every night before bed, becomes a sleep-reinforcing tool.
Although the methods for treating these conditions have different roots, the common is that they ask for an effort to be made by the patient to explore further options for themselves. This outlook is shared by Audiovisual Therapy, and it is through the interaction of the user and the content that they are able to explore various therapeutic options.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Artefact 6 - Conclusions
These are the conclusions reached after conducting the research for the final artefact, Artefact 6, and some of the general points that have been emphasized by the project:
- Using similar principles, the format of the Audiovisual Therapy viewing experience and the mental/physical reactions to this experience pave the way for a completely new approach to treatment.
- If the format can be used to treat phobias, depression, and insomnia, then it is reasonable to assume that applications could be found for a vast number of ailments from small to large.
- Existing treatments have numerous drawbacks, however Audiovisual Therapy would ideally be used in combination with an existing treatment depending on the severity of the illness. It would not be safe to assume that it would be able to take the place of necessary medication and therapy.
- The technologies that exist today allow for use at almost any time, and provide the ability to create a self-generated therapeutic clip.
- Audiovisual Therapy is a low-risk treatment that is accessible, cheap to no-cost, and uses modern technology to expand on the principles of existing treatments.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Artefact 6 - Research (Insomnia)
Insomnia is the final condition that I have looked into that shows a high potential to be able to apply the findings of this study. Below are the existing treatments and how Audiovisual Therapy might approach it:
Insomnia Treatments:
1. Behavioural Therapy
2. Sleep Hygiene
- Sleep just to feel rested
- Regular sleep schedule
- No caffeine/alcohol/smoking in the evening
- Adjust bedroom environment
- Resolve stress and anxiety before going to bed
3. Stimulus Control
- The principle that a stimulus (getting ready for bed) can increase the chance of a behaviour (going to sleep), because of the association the mind has with that stimulus.
4. Relaxation Techniques
5. Sleep Restriction
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If an important part of sleep hygiene is resolving stress and anxiety before bed, an Audiovisual Therapy clip could help to do this, as shown by previous artefacts. Based on the principle of stimulus control, by watching this clip every night before bed, it will increase the likelihood of sleep. Additionally, using relaxation techniques such as "mindful breathing" in combination with calming images and music, a person would be able to reach a heightened state of calm, thus increasing the chances of them being able to fall asleep.
Insomnia Treatments:
1. Behavioural Therapy
2. Sleep Hygiene
- Sleep just to feel rested
- Regular sleep schedule
- No caffeine/alcohol/smoking in the evening
- Adjust bedroom environment
- Resolve stress and anxiety before going to bed
3. Stimulus Control
- The principle that a stimulus (getting ready for bed) can increase the chance of a behaviour (going to sleep), because of the association the mind has with that stimulus.
4. Relaxation Techniques
5. Sleep Restriction
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If an important part of sleep hygiene is resolving stress and anxiety before bed, an Audiovisual Therapy clip could help to do this, as shown by previous artefacts. Based on the principle of stimulus control, by watching this clip every night before bed, it will increase the likelihood of sleep. Additionally, using relaxation techniques such as "mindful breathing" in combination with calming images and music, a person would be able to reach a heightened state of calm, thus increasing the chances of them being able to fall asleep.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Artefact 6 - Research (Depression)
Below is another illness that has treatment methods which might be benefited from Audiovisual Therapy:
Depression Treatments:
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- "Based on the principle that the way we feel is partly dependent on the way we think about things. It teaches you to behave in ways that challenge negative thoughts - for example, being active to challenge feelings of hopelessness." - NHS, 2010
2. Interpersonal Therapy
- Focuses on one's relationships with other people and problems such as coping mechanisms.
3. Counseling
- Attempts to have one think about the problems they are facing and find out new approaches of dealing with them.
4. Antidepressants
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the methods of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and counseling, the common factor of finding new solutions to problems seems to be the key. By facing their relationships with other people through a clip comprised of images and video of friends and family where difficulties may lie, one might be able to think more objectively about the situations. This would also cause less pressure to lie on a person suffering from depression, considering they do not have to face the problems in person. Additionally, the process itself may be a beneficial aspect. By selecting the content themselves and confronting the situation objectively, it may be easier for new solutions to be found.
Depression Treatments:
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- "Based on the principle that the way we feel is partly dependent on the way we think about things. It teaches you to behave in ways that challenge negative thoughts - for example, being active to challenge feelings of hopelessness." - NHS, 2010
2. Interpersonal Therapy
- Focuses on one's relationships with other people and problems such as coping mechanisms.
3. Counseling
- Attempts to have one think about the problems they are facing and find out new approaches of dealing with them.
4. Antidepressants
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the methods of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and counseling, the common factor of finding new solutions to problems seems to be the key. By facing their relationships with other people through a clip comprised of images and video of friends and family where difficulties may lie, one might be able to think more objectively about the situations. This would also cause less pressure to lie on a person suffering from depression, considering they do not have to face the problems in person. Additionally, the process itself may be a beneficial aspect. By selecting the content themselves and confronting the situation objectively, it may be easier for new solutions to be found.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Artefact 6 - Research (Phobias)
To measure the scope and purpose of Audiovisual Therapy, I have conducted further research into mental illness. I am looking for three conditions to highlight the possible application of use for this study. Below is one example where the principles of some the treatments can be combined with the technique of this study:
Phobia Treatments
2. Talking Therapies
- Psychiatrist/Therapist
3. Behavioural Therapy
- One learns to tolerate the fear of exposure through relaxation techniques
4. Flooding
5. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
6. Pharmaceuticals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since the best way to treat phobias is through self-help exposure and behavioural therapy highlights the use of relaxation techniques, then both of these elements can be achieved through Audiovisual Therapy material. For example, if a person is phobic of spiders, then exposure could be achieved through images and video of the spider. The relaxation technique could be applied through the use of calming images and music combined with the exposure element. Additionally, as displayed by Artefact 5, it is possible for this piece to be self-generated. Therefore, the amount of exposure could be controlled by the individual. By being able to control the amount of exposure element exists in the clip, they can gradually increase the amount until the phobia is decreased enough to challenge the fear directly.
Phobia Treatments
- Self-help
2. Talking Therapies
- Psychiatrist/Therapist
3. Behavioural Therapy
- One learns to tolerate the fear of exposure through relaxation techniques
4. Flooding
5. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
6. Pharmaceuticals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since the best way to treat phobias is through self-help exposure and behavioural therapy highlights the use of relaxation techniques, then both of these elements can be achieved through Audiovisual Therapy material. For example, if a person is phobic of spiders, then exposure could be achieved through images and video of the spider. The relaxation technique could be applied through the use of calming images and music combined with the exposure element. Additionally, as displayed by Artefact 5, it is possible for this piece to be self-generated. Therefore, the amount of exposure could be controlled by the individual. By being able to control the amount of exposure element exists in the clip, they can gradually increase the amount until the phobia is decreased enough to challenge the fear directly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
