Movies on the couch: The MOVIE model of film therapy
Film therapy, the therapeutic use of movies in psychological therapies, is a growing area of interest to therapists and researchers. This paper discusses the benefits of film therapy and presents a method, the MOVIE model of film therapy, a widely applicable, trauma-informed framework for individual or group therapy, counsellor education and self-help. Film or cinema therapy is a highly accessible and relatable method for many diverse groups. The benefits identified include emotional processing, greater ease of dialogue, increased empathy, interpersonal learning, new perspectives and learning skills. Following the model's reflective steps, clients mindfully observe and voice their emotional and psychological responses to movie-watching; identify how the imagery, characters, themes and story symbolise personal experience; and consider any new possibilities that emerged for their own lives. The model is informed by a practice-focussed review of literature and draws on methods from mindfulness and experiential and narrative therapies. The steps are widely applicable in a range of settings and can be adapted across counselling modalities. Further research to consider the outcomes of using the model, alongside qualitative research on clients' experiences of working this way with film, is recommended.
History
School affiliated with
- School of Psychology (Research Outputs)
Publication Title
Counselling and Psychotherapy ResearchVolume
24Issue
2Pages/Article Number
385-389Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
ISSN
1473-3145eISSN
1746-1405Date Accepted
2023-04-26Date of First Publication
2023-05-10Date of Final Publication
2023-06-01Open Access Status
- Open Access