Film/Video-Based Therapy
Film/video-based therapy involves making movies with clients. It draws from several disciplines including cinema therapy, expressive therapy, narrative therapy, art therapy, digital storytelling, and phototherapy which requires a collaboration to integrate the many dynamic aspects of art and medicine. Joshua Lee Cohen, author and co-editor of "Video and Filmmaking as Psychotherapy: Research and Practice" (2015), helped to establish a collaborative effort in forming film/video-based therapy. This form of therapy is about making films with clients, as opposed to cinema therapy, which involves watching films. Cohen has utilized watching films and mindfulness in his work. Cohen has been cited in Tuval-Mashiach and Patton's clinical trial and participated in peer-reviewed research on the use of video narrative in cancer research. It is not trademarked for advertising or financial purposes but meant as a unified term to represent a field of practice.
It is used in both research and practice, and has gone by various names depending on the population and purpose. Psychological assessments may be conducted before engaging in filmmaking as recreational activities to separate clinical aspects from recreational enjoyment. Licensed professionals, such as art therapists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, filmmakers, and digital storytellers can facilitate these activities with the support of a licensed clinician. However, storytelling and trauma work can also be done without requiring a licensed professional, as seen in Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery groups run by peers.
In California, peers with mental health challenges can run storytelling groups approved by state bill 803 after passing a state-backed peer certification program and bill insurance for running these groups.
Therapeutic Filmmaking
The term "therapeutic filmmaking" was coined by J. Lauren Johnson, co-editor of "Video and Filmmaking as Psychotherapy: Research and Practice." It involves using filmmaking as a therapeutic modality. Therapeutic filmmaking has been studied in various contexts, including with veterans, active-duty servicemen and women, and First Nations populations.
Video Remix Therapy
Video remix therapy, primarily used in private practice with art therapists, drama therapists, and other expressive art therapists, combines narrative therapy, expressive arts therapy, and digital media art. It involves using digital media art and technology in group therapy sessions to positively impact clients.
Digital Storytelling
Digital storytelling is another approach used in collaboration with film/video-based therapy. It is primarily used for educational purposes and draws on the ancient tradition of storytelling. Artists use film and video to express images and sounds, combining modern technology with storytelling techniques.
History of Film/Video-Based Therapy and Similar Therapies
The use of film and video as a healing tool is not a new concept. With advancements in technology, including digital storytelling, virtual reality, and therapeutic filmmaking, the popularity of film/video-based therapy has grown. This field is a collaboration between clinicians, practitioners, and researchers in various disciplines, including art therapy, expressive therapy, psychotherapy, digital storytelling, and more.
While film/video-based therapy has a decades-long history in practice, there is a lack of literature on the theory and practice of using film/video production as therapy. However, practitioners from diverse backgrounds have contributed to building a global community to further define this field.