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Movies on the couch: The MOVIE model of film therapy

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Version 2 2024-06-12, 07:50
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journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-12, 07:50 authored by Jenny HamiltonJenny Hamilton

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 Research

Volume

24

Issue

2

Pages/Article Number

385-389

Publisher

Wiley

ISSN

1473-3145

eISSN

1746-1405

Date Accepted

2023-04-26

Date of First Publication

2023-05-10

Date of Final Publication

2023-06-01

Open Access Status

  • Open Access

Date Document First Uploaded

2023-12-01

ePrints ID

55061

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