‘Film Therapy’: How Watching TV Could Help Treat Psychological Distress

Relaxing in front of our favourite films has long been a popular response to distressing life events. More than simply helping us to unwind, recent research from a psychology academic at the University of Lincoln, UK suggests ‘film therapy’ could receive a professional stamp of approval as an effective psychological model.

The MOVIE (Mindfully engage, Observe, Voice, Identify, Explore) model developed by Jenny Hamilton, Senior Lecturer in Psychological Therapies at the University of Lincoln and practicing counsellor, supports watching or discussing movies as part of a therapeutic process.

Jenny Hamilton said: “I first considered film therapy in my work as a therapist when my clients discussed movies and TV shows. I noticed that talking about movies could make some issues and feelings easier to talk about for clients and can make therapy feel more accessible.

“When I looked into the research and literature on film therapy, I struggled to identify clear methods for therapists to follow as this was a still a developing area, but I still needed to find a way to work with clients.”

“I noticed that methods from mindfulness could help to reflect on thoughts and feelings in relation to the movie, and narrative therapy could help to consider our own self-stories and how they fit in with wider narratives in society.”

“Applying these methods, I developed the MOVIE model which offers five reflective steps for film therapy and aims to provide a flexible framework that can be used in different counselling settings, in counsellor education and as supervised self-help.”

The model integrates elements of mindfulness, experiential therapy and narrative therapy, but can be used in conjunction with different counselling approaches.

Film therapy can bring these elements together cohesively; encouraging patients to immerse themselves in the moment to be aware of what is happening inside and outside themselves, helping re-enact and re-experience past emotional situations, and connecting with feelings in a ‘once removed’ way that feels safer and less intense.

Film or cinema therapy, unlike some more traditional treatments for mental health conditions, is highly accessible for many diverse groups. Identified benefits include emotional processing, greater ease of dialogue, increased empathy, interpersonal learning, and obtaining new perspectives.

The MOVIE model was first published in May this year and some counsellors have already received training on how best to introduce it into their therapeutic practices.