Movies as Metaphors: A Counseling Intervention

Abstract

This article presents the rationale for using cinematic films as therapeutic metaphors. The authors provide 2 case studies to illustrate how movies can help clients gain insight into problems and begin making changes in their lives. have suggested that metaphors and metaphoric techniques (bibliotherapy, therapeutic storytelling, cartoons, and so forth) are useful intervention strategies in counseling. Despite this, relatively little has been published regarding the psychotherapeutic use of cinematic films (lhrley & Derdeyn, 1990). We, however, have successfully used movies, both in theater release and in videotape format, as metaphoric intervention tools in counseling.A counselor can recommend that clients watch specific movies that he or she believes can serve as an appropriate therapeutic metaphor for them. Alternatively, the counselor can help clients process the reactions, attitudes, feelings, and so forth that arise unexpectedly from recreational movie viewing. By recognizing the metaphoric possibilities inherent in movies, the counselor can be prepared to help clients who come into therapy talking about having watched a movie that gave them insight into the issues with which they are struggling. Movie viewing, whether prescribed or serendipitous, can frequently give clients a new perspective for looking at the "characters" in their own lives and give them added clarity into the fundamental complexity of close interpersonal relationships.The purpose of this article is to explain the value of metaphors as therapeutic tools and to describe how movies can be used as metaphors. We use case studies to illustrate different applications of the use of popular films as metaphoric interventions. METAPHORS AS THERAPEUTIC TOOLSMetaphors are mirrors reflecting our inner images of self, life, and others. Like Alice, we can go through the looking glass and journey beyond the mirror's image, entering the Kottman, 1 1 17 Washington, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Melissa L. Heston is an associate professor of educational psychology, and Terry Koitrnan is an associate professor of counseling, both 8t the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Correspondence regarding this article should be sent to Terry

Case Studies from Literature and Movies: A Best Practice for Learning

“…As Kumar indicated, "Not only does the learner have fun with the multimedia tools, but they also get a rich environment for knowledge construction"(p. 532). Heston and Kottman (1997) found value in use of case studies from movies as metaphors with the practice of counseling. They found that this application helped clients to gain insight into their respective issues and also awareness of potential pathways for positive change with issue resolution.…”

Film kao ljekovita metafora u logoterapijskoj praksi

“…37 Gledanje filma »često može klijentima dati novu perspektivu za promatranje 'likova' u vlastitom životu te im pružiti jasniji uvid u kompleksnost bliskih interpersonalnih odnosa«. 38 No valja naglasiti da se na film kao pomoćnu tehniku u psihoterapiji ne smije gledati kao na neku čarobnu pilulu koju bi se propisalo na recept te koja bi instantno izliječila npr. opsesivno-kompulzivni poremećaj ili neku noogenu neurozu, već je film dio terapijskog procesa, tj.…”

Erzählen: Reflexionen im Zeitalter der Digitalisierung

“…Mainly two very general points are repeatedly mentioned: First, movies can be comforting to clients because they elicit the feeling that they are not alone with their problems (cf. Solomon 1997Solomon , 2001Heston & Kottman 1997;Schulenberg 2003, p. 37). And second, movies help to create and strengthen the therapeutic alliance (cf.…”