Film Therapy

What is Film Therapy?

The term Cinema Therapy, also known as Film/Movie Therapy, was first coined by Dr. Gary Solomon (aka. The Movie Doctor).

Film Therapy is an innovative therapy which offers transformation, healing and growth through the creative medium of film storytelling. I studied both Social Work and Film Studies, and have been an avid filmgoer for years, desiring to combine my equal love and passion for the art of film, with my enthusiasm for the humanitarian field and spirituality. Film therapy can be effective for individuals, couples, families and groups. For the time being, I am providing support for individuals, but groupwork is coming soon.

If you enjoy watching movies and understanding the metaphors behind stories, film therapy might be great for you.

Here is a professional directory of other practitioners who also use Cinematherapy as a modality in their work. My details are also listed here: Professional Directory (cinematherapy.com) A big thanks to Dr. Birgit Wolz, who is featured in the video below.

Introductory Videos

What does the film therapy journey look like?

Film is a multisensory and fully immersive experience. We look at the transformation of certain movie characters.
We look at their healing and journey to experiencing their innate wholeness.

Offering a safe space, we utilise film therapy to promote self-awareness to pave the way for growth and healing, allowing the effect of imagery, plot, music, and more in films, on our psyche, for inspiration, insight, relief or emotional release.

It’s like a mirror is held up to you:
We focus on characters that model strength, courage, resilience and perseverance.
We want to reinforce your own inner strength and resources.
We look at the power of storytelling and myths.
Our own lives are narratives.
We reflect on your life experience and find new perspectives on problems.
We go deeper into sensations, awareness and emotions.
We stimulate insight.
We will reframe old problems and recognise old patterns.
We bring out hope and validation.
We find solutions.

Therapy Sessions

We will not be making films, but using existing films as a therapeutic tool and resource.
If you would like to use short films, we can do this. However, it mostly will not tease out concepts or have as much insight as full feature films, with more character development.

A film, rather than tv series is more preferred as the latter is much more time consuming and possibly won’t be effective in therapy.

It's not necessary to focus on simply films, but if you love art like myself, then we can explore other art forms like books/literature, and art works such as paintings, sculptures, drawings and photography. Even in performing arts, music and nature, everything can correspond with our film exploration - being as creative and expressive as possible.

We can also focus on particular movie scenes you like, and look at those together in meetings.

I am flexible and want to be as innovative and accommodating as possible, to your preferences and needs around this therapy.

Our Therapy Process

Meet and greet is complimentary. We will see if we are well suited, and if you want to continue with my services and what I offer.

We can meet anywhere in the community- e.g. a park, café, art gallery, library, in nature - if you do not wish to meet at your home.
It will be face to face or via Zoom, and be 1 hour to 1.5 hours max.

Therapy sessions will go for 10 or more sessions (weekly or fortnightly- whatever you choose), including a Reflection and Evaluation of the unique Process.

Film Therapy involves choosing a film from a resource list I provide (unless you have a specific movie you want to use) and focusing on:

Working on Negative Beliefs
Building Self-Esteem
Film Characters and how they Affect/Influence Us
Discovering the Self through these Characters
Growth through the Movie Experience

Important Note:

Film therapy is not appropriate for helping people with serious psychiatric disorders. If you are experiencing this yourself, I recommend seeing a psychotherapist or psychiatrist for support who specialises in it.
It is also not suitable for people who are experiencing violence at home. I do not work with people experiencing Domestic and Family Violence and would recommend this site for support and information: Home | 1800RESPECT
If you have experienced a recent trauma that is similar to a movie character, you will most likely not be ready to partake in film therapy, as it can be triggering.

I co-host the Movie Health Podcast, where we interview mental health professionals about their favourite movie and their unique tips for mental health. If you're keen to listen, check it out here: Movie.Health, Mental Health Podcast in Australia | Podcast

Evidence to support Film/Cinematherapy

Birgit Wolz (2005). E-Motion Picture Magic: A Movie Lover's Guide To Healing And Transformation.
Gary Solomon (1995). The Motion Picture Prescription: Watch this Movie and Call Me in the Morning.
Jillian Majella Lynch (2011) The therapeutic potential of using film as an intervention in counselling and psychotherapy [Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of New England].

Nancy Peske; Beverly West (2004). Cinematherapy for the Soul
Nancy Peske; Beverly West (2000). Advanced Cinematherapy: The Girl's Guide to Finding Happiness One Movie at a Time.
John W. Hesley; Jan G. Hesley (2001). Rent two films and let's talk in the morning: using popular movies in psychotherapy.

Paulette Kouffman Sherman (2020) Cinematherapy:: Solve Your Relationship Issues by Watching Great Movies
Marsha Sinetar (1993) Reel Power: Spiritual Growth through Film

Mary Banks Gregerson (2010). The Cinematic Mirror for Psychology and Life Coaching.
Michael Lee Powell (2008). Cinematherapy as a Clinical Intervention: Theoretical Rationale and Empirical Credibility.
Fuat Ulus (2003). Movie Therapy, Moving Therapy

SCENES FROM FILMS

These are scenes that I personally love, which have evoked catharsis and role modelling for me in my own life, experiences and relationships:

Contact us for your counselling needs and film therapy sessions.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP.

Email: kathryn@kgcreativetherapy.com.au | Phone: 0413 513 807

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​What is Film Therapy?