Methods used in directed film therapy

Based on the book by Sergey Krasin
“Introduction to Directed Film Therapy”

All methods used in directed film therapy are divided into three types

1 Methods of work with short videos up to 10 minutes long.
2. Methods of work with selections of excerpts from films, clips, cartoons and other videos up to 10 minutes long.
3. Methods of work with full-length films and selections of films.

Methods of work with short videos up to 10 minutes long

This group includes strategies and techniques for work with:

• film excerpts, cartoons, TV programmes and shows;
• short cartoons;
• clips;
• commercials;
• social videos;
• amateur videos;

Techniques

Techniques are ready-to-use methods of work with a specific type of problem. In terms of cinematography, this is a script on the basis of which the client gets the therapeutic support before, during and after watching the film. Any technique always has clear goals and is aimed at working with a certain category of people. It is the simplest tool in directed film therapy, and therefore requires a minimum level of training to use it. Training in directed film therapy begins with mastering the techniques.

Hundreds of techniques have been developed so far.

Strategies

Strategies facilitate work on developing techniques. They are ready-to-use templates which make creating techniques simpler, easier and faster. Each strategy is a detailed step-by-step instruction that describes how, when and what to do and why it must be done. An experienced film therapist who has mastered strategies can design a technique within minutes.

Methods of work with selections of excerpts from films, clips, cartoons and other videos up to 10 minutes long

The methods of this group are aimed at developing sessions which are based on several unrelated short excerpts. The session includes viewings, discussions, doing tasks and exercises. The necessary conditions for therapy are created by focusing attention on certain things, foregrounding topics and designing tasks carefully.

Particular attention is paid to the following issues:
1. Selection of videos. Even one incorrectly selected excerpt can affect the result of the entire session.
2. Order of videos in the course of the session. The order of excerpts affects group dynamics and the participants’ individual state.
3. Development of techniques. A technique is developed on the basis of every video excerpt. Each technique is used at certain times and situations in the course of the session.
4. Integration with other directions and methods. It is important not to focus solely on video excerpts. Other methods and ways of work can be included to enhance the impact.

Methods of work with full-length films and selections of films

This group includes the following methods:
1. Watching the film with a client. It allows the therapist to work with the client’s reactions during and after the viewing.
2. Watching the film by the client before the consultation. It allows the therapist to work with the client’s reactions after the viewing.
3. Watching the film by the client after the consultation. It allows the therapist to prepare the client for viewing and then work with their reactions to the film.

The work is based on watching full-length films according to a flexible plan which includes the following stages:
1. Clarification of the client’s request.
2. Film selection.
3. Preparing the client for viewing.
4. Watching the film by the client.
5. Analysis of the film.
6. Work with the client’s request according to the results of the film analysis.

1. 1. Krasin S.A. Introduction to Directed Film Therapy / S.A. Krasin — Kharkov: Private entrepreneur Rubashkin, 2018 — P. 39-43