Mindful Film Therapy

Film therapy, the therapeutic use of movies in psychological therapies, is a growing area of interest. This presentation presents the MOVIE model of film therapy, a widely applicable, trauma-aware framework for working with film imagery and themes in individual or group therapy, counsellor education and self-help. Film or cinema therapy is a highly accessible and relatable method for many diverse client and student groups with benefits that include, catharsis and emotional processing, greater ease of dialogue around issues, increased empathy, and interpersonal learning, engaging with new perspectives and learning skills. The model presents five reflective steps to engage mindfully with movies, notice associated emotional responses, consider how movies symbolise personal experience and any new possibilities that emerged.