Cinema narrative therapy: utilizing family films to externalize children's ‘problems’

This article introduces a method for marriage and family therapists to integrate cinematherapy and narrative techniques. The method provided is to be utilized after a family has viewed a film chosen conjointly by the family and the therapist. This article includes suggestions as to how the family can externalize the movie character's problem, instances when the character defeats the problem and the qualities the character demonstrates while overcoming the problem. A case example has been included demonstrating the effectiveness of the method and clinical implications for future application. Practitioner points Watching movies has become a popular pastime for many families, so client compliance is likely. There are numerous situations that would allow this method to be utilized with the family unit, such as ‘problem’ children, grief and loss and childhood anxiety. Therapists should consider keeping lists of appropriate films that accommodate clients' culture and ethnicity.
Source: Journal of Family Therapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Case Example Source Type: research