Utilization of films as Wellsprings of Succour, Edification and Repose for Psychologically Lacerated Persons: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This paper presents an appraisal on Film, principally docudrama as a tool in the psychotherapeutic process among distressed people. The  major findings resulting from reviewing several studies illustrate that cinematic techniques and enactment greatly play a role in  decreasing psychological distress levels as well as depression. Subsequently, the study concludes that presentation and manipulation of  characters effectively may engender positive results on persons healing from psychosomatic anguish and despondency. This study avers  that cinematographic techniques carry healing and therapeutic value if utilized in psychosocial supportive environment. Film therapy  enables clients to tell their life stories to their therapists. Film is therefore a potentially valuable means for clients to vent out their  emotional stress and inculcate optimism. The entertainment aspect may make the client to forget/suspend negative feelings associated  with trauma hence reducing negative defence mechanism that could encumber a therapeutic process.