Movie Therapy
Bernie Wooder
Pioneer of Movie Therapy in the UK is interested in your experiences

Biography

My name is Bernie Wooder and I am a fully trained and UKCP accredited practising psychotherapist with 15 years experience and my own private practice. I am qualified in Core Process Psychotherapy, Bodysynthesis and Movie Therapy as a Founder and Counsellor.

I have pioneered the use of movies as an aspect of the therapeutic process for over 10 years and commissioned work has included consultancy projects on Movie Therapy for MGM Studios and Warner Brothers and lectures to universities across the UK including training of therapists at Guys Hospital in London.

As member of the UK Council of Psychotherapists and the Institute of Health Service Managers, I have featured regularly, on both TV, the BBC Here and Now and Arena programmes and Channel 4 and 5 News. Radio programmes have included The Lowri Turner Show, LBC at Midnight, Steve Wright in the Afternoon and several interviews with Professor Anthony Clare promoting the use of Movies as a therapeutic tool.

What is Movie Therapy

We have all seen movies and felt sad or happy after watching them. My idea has taken this further and developed the theory that Movies can actually help with a range of deep seated problems. My experience with many of my clients over the years has been that moments from movies, issues contained within the movie or the relationship between characters has helped many clients identify the reasons for unconscious unhappiness very quickly. Seeing a mirror image on screen has helped them enormously in realising and communicating troubling emotions. Using the film as an aid to healing they have gone on to lead much happier, contented and rewarding lives and subsequently have improved the quality of relationships or marriages.

Although Movie Therapy can be a beneficial and healing aid to therapy it is vital that this is only used by a trained specialist equipped to deal with the disturbing feelings movie therapy can sometimes cause you to feel. A film cannot just be prescribed or suggested without the therapist having full knowledge of your personal history and what may have shaped you emotionally. It would be insulting to your intelligence to just suggest a particular film would be perfect for you without knowing anything about you. This is why it is so very important that you undertake Movie Therapy within the right surroundings and with a trained professional and to not just place your personality, soul and suffering in the hands of a person not trained to deal with your feelings.

Research

I am currently conducting research alongside colleagues in the United States and would be interested in anyone who has experienced the power of films in a therapeutic way. If you have a movie that has affected you, encouraged you to change your life in any way or deeply saddened you without you knowing why I would be very interested in hearing about your experiences. Please contact me on my website www.themovietherapist.com via the mail option and I will ensure that all responses receive a personal reply. Alternatively contact me on +44 (0)208 386 4846 for Psychotherapy and Counselling, you don’t have to use movies in your therapy, this would be a matter for discussion between you and your therapist if you feel it will help

Based on the number of responses I receive I will be able to design helpful workshops for forthcoming Mind Body and Spirit Conventions.

Movie Therapy - What its not

• Movie Therapy is not a quick fix to all your problems, however I have found it to be an excellent aid to quickly accessing the core of a deep emotional problem.

• It’s not just about positive thinking after watching a feel good film. Movie Therapy has to be applied and discussed with a trained therapist. You cannot do it without guidance for example say you have recently seen a feel good film, how long does it make you feel good, does it heal your broken heart. Proper Movie Therapy is what it says “Therapy” with a trained professional.

Movie Therapy - What it is

• Movie Therapy is a means of communication at the deepest level and provides us with another language to show people, loved ones and friends how you feel.

• Enables you to identify with characters within a movie who are playing out moments in your own life enabling you to view it from an objective third person perspective. This gives you a deeper insight into your own personal patterns of suffering.

• Once identified you can focus on changing negative aspects of your behaviour to healthier and productive patterns that will not bring the same suffering you have always experienced.

How can Movie Therapy help me

Movie Therapy can and has helped many of my clients with the following problems:

• Divorce, Relationship Difficulties
• Bereavement
• Depression
• Low Self Esteem
• Fear and not feeling safe in the world
• Crisis Situations
• Anxiety, Worry and Nervousness
• Shyness and Low Confidence
• Lack of Motivation
• Inability to Relax

NB When considering Movie Therapy please ensure that your chosen therapist has the required certificates and years of training to undertake Movie Therapy.