Taking up the Challenge of Grief: Film as Therapeutic Metaphor and Action Ritual

Abstract

The case is presented ofan.~/even year old boy who has twice suffered the loss of his mother -first through his adoption and second through~er. subsequent sUl.c~de. Four years after these events he presented with a number ofbehavioural problems attributed to a block m hIS grtevtng proc.ess. Initially therapy was difficult because of the client's inability to express his feelings verbally and because of a number of restraints noted to be ?perating within the family system. A breakthrough was made through the use of the film The Never Ending Story':j: as a therapeutic metaphor and as the basis ofan action ritual. Relevant literature (bereavement cybernetic theory metaphor and ritual) is discussed. Therapy is detailed."

Man who Catch Fly with Chopstick Accomplish Anything: Film in Therapy ‐ the Sequel

“…Our conclusions following our first experience with using film in therapy (Christie and McGrath, 1987) related to the potential of film as metaphor to overcome the problems inherent in dealing with clients who have difficulty in verbalising their feelings. The successes we have had using films in therapy suggest that films used properly can be a powerful therapeutic tool.…”

“…In our previous paper (Christie and McGrath, 1987), we noted that stories carrying a metaphorical message can bypass conscious mental 'sets' or restraints. An intervention was needed that could bypass their modus operandi.…”

Utilizing Movies in Family Therapy: Applications for Individuals, Couples, and Families

“…Instead, most authors have written about implementing specific movies as interventions (Christie & McGrath, 1987, 1989Duncan, Beck, & Granum, 1986;Gunzburg, 1989;Turley & Dreyden, 1990), employing segments of movies as examples of therapeutic concepts/processes (Fleming, Piedmont, & Hiam, 1990;Hering, 1994;Johnson, 1993;Lane, 1995;Lawrence, 1991;Leskowitz, 1983;Newby, Fischer, & Reinke, 1992;Swift & Wonderlich, 1993), or comparing their cases to characters or plotlines in movies (Friedman, 1981;Weimer & Lu, 1987). Although the literature on using films in therapy is not extensive, the popularity of film interventions is growing.…”

“…Film provides an alternative means to create change in a nonthreatening manner and affords clients the opportunity to safely access alternative ideas and behaviors (Christie & McGrath 1987, 1989. In other words, therapists can use movies to externalize problems so that clients can deal with problems at a safe distance.…”

Relearning Childthink

“…Basic familiarity with the characters in Sesame Street and Country Practice should be a selection criterion for any professional job working with children. Christie and McGrath (1987) have used popular children's films as effective metaphors for children's problems.…”