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Cinema as Alchemy for Healing and Transformation: Using the Power of Films in Psychotherapy and Coaching

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The Cinematic Mirror for Psychology and Life Coaching

Abstract

As clients respond to movies emotionally, their reactions reflect their inner world. Using Cinema Alchemy, psychotherapists and coaches make use of this reflection by using movies as an adjunct to traditional methods. Films draw a client into the viewing experience, but at the same time – often more easily than in real life – afford a unique opportunity to retain a perspective outside the experience, the observer’s view. This allows the viewing experience to become a catalyst for the therapeutic or coaching process.

No form of art goes beyond ordinary consciousness as film does, straight to our emotions, deep into the twilight room of the soul.

–Ingmar Bergman

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Wolz, B. (2010). Cinema as Alchemy for Healing and Transformation: Using the Power of Films in Psychotherapy and Coaching. In: Gregerson, M. (eds) The Cinematic Mirror for Psychology and Life Coaching. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1114-8_11

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