With so many people simply viewing feature films as a source of entertainment and escape from life, it is salutary to come across individuals who cherish the soulful and therapeutic value of movies. John W. Hesley, a psychologist with a psychotherapy practice, and Jan G. Hesley, an advanced clinical practitioner who specializes in marriage and family therapy, have created an innovative resource for counselors using popular films as catalysts for healing. They believe that movies can offer hope and encouragement; help us reframe our problems; provide role models; identify and reinforce internal strengths; trigger emotional growth; improve communication; and facilitate the process of prioritizing our values.
The Hesleys suggest ways for therapists to select films, make assignments, and process homework. Using illustrative material from their own practices, they show how clients have benefited from film therapy.
The heart and soul of this paperback is an anthology of 49 films with commentary on the key characters, precautions, thematic categories, main lessons, suggested viewers, setting the scene, and scripting for therapy. Some of the films covered address specific problems such as adoption and custody (The Good Mother), aging (Strangers in Good Company), chronic illness (Lorenzo's Oil), communication and conflict resolution (The Accidental Tourist), and grief and loss (Ordinary People).