Use of cinematherapy in dealing with relationship problems

The main goal of this study was to examine propositions regarding the application procedures of cinematherapy. It compared the contributions to create therapeutic change of viewing (watching a movie with therapeutic aims) and discussion steps (discussing movies with therapeutic aims). Twenty-eight sessions were held with 6 participants seeking professional help for relationship problems (e.g. frequent conflicts, dissatisfaction, sexual problems). Content analyses of questionnaire responses and therapy session transcripts indicated that cinematherapy provided a useful therapeutic intervention. As expected, the viewing step itself did not promote change; instead, the discussion phase induced new insights and facilitated generalization of these gains into individuals' own problem areas.