Video and Filmmaking as Psychotherapy: Research and Practice (Advances in Mental Health Research)

While film and video has long been used within psychological practice, researchers and practitioners have only just begun to explore the benefits of film and video production as therapy. This volume describes a burgeoning area of psychotherapy which employs the art of filmmaking and digital storytelling as a means of healing victims of trauma and abuse. It explores the ethical considerations behind this process, as well as its cultural and developmental implications within clinical psychology. Grounded in clinical theory and methodology, this multidisciplinary volume draws on perspectives from anthropology, psychiatry, psychology, and art therapy which support the use and integration of film/video-based therapy in practice.

Joshua L. Cohen has worked in film/video production for over 30 years, received a PhD in clinical psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, a master’s in general psychology from Walden University, and a bachelor’s degree in film and anthropology from Colorado College. He lives and works in Southern California, USA.

J. Lauren Johnson is a licensed psychologist and a filmmaker. She is also the founder of the Therapeutic Filmmaking Institute in Alberta, CA.

Penelope P. Orr is a board certified, registered art therapist in Edinboro PA, USA. She is currently the director of the Edinboro University Masters in Art Therapy/Counseling Program.