Film therapy, the therapeutic use of movies in psychological therapies, is a growing area of interest to therapists and researchers alike. Film therapy is a highly accessible and relatable method for many diverse client groups. Clients often talk about films and TV shows during therapy sessions as they see elements of their own story reflected on screen. This workshop explores how we can work with this therapeutically.
The workshop presents the MOVIE model of film therapy, a widely applicable, trauma- informed framework for talking about film imagery and themes in individual or group therapy, counsellor education and as self-help. The model draws on mindfulness, experiential and narrative approaches to explore clients relationship with movies.
The workshop will cover:
- An introduction to film therapy
- Therapeutic elements of movie watching
- The MOVIE model of film therapy
- Practice considerations: safety and ethics
Course Content
Presenter
Jenny is a counsellor, mindfulness teacher and a counselling academic, with over 20 years experience of working in the helping professions. Jenny has worked in the public, private and charity sectors, developing specialist experience in working via telephone, managing and supervising helping professionals and careers coaching. After several years delivering workplace training in counselling skills and theory to helping professionals, Jenny worked as a senior lecturer and course leader in counsellor education and has written and designed degree and masters level programmes in counselling, mental health, wellbeing and resilience. As a mindfulness teacher, Jenny has taught mindfulness to staff and students in higher education, to NHS staff and to staff in social services. Jenny combines a passion for therapy and wellbeing with her background in film and media and cultural studies and has been developing methods in film therapy over several years, as clients introduced themes from film and TV during counselling sessions.
