a seminar with Jonathan Young and Anne Bach
presented by
The mythic imagination comes alive when we contemplate movies that have influenced us. Our emotional reactions to films can stimulate significant psychological work. Those on the inner journey can reflect on how elements of a story parallel their own discoveries. The awareness aroused by movie can be used effectively in therapy and for self-care.
This is a day on using movies for inner work. We do not watch films, but will discuss key scenes from the Godfather series and several productions of the Snow White story. Exploring very different genres allows us to demonstrate the wide range of cinematherapy applications.
Part of the movie-going ritual is to share our reactions with others. This is often a source of deep conversation about major life issues. We can find common ground with friends and acquaintances in discussing movies. All opinions are worthy of consideration. In therapy, this egalitarian conversation offers an opportunity to have a cultural discussion with reduced likelihood of defensiveness.
Like the images in dreams, films can reveal our inner dynamics. Cinema provides windows to the unconscious. Seeing movies as dreams can help us take ownership of unclaimed resources within. This course demonstrates the use of dream analysis methods with films. These techniques are useful with clients who do not bring dreams, as well as for studying the personal meanings of our own favorite movies.
Symbolism can be studied to grasp nuances of inner dynamics. The various characters in the drama can be seen as archetypes, representing diverse personal qualities. Their interaction reflects our inner complexity. A plot can reveal the major challenges of a life journey. Family stories invite us revisit personal origins. Such dramas can also represent tensions within an individual. The resolution of conflicts in a story may point toward progress in the task of emotional integration.
The focus of this course is not entirely on helping others. Even those who have done extensive inner study will have occasional need to locate missing feelings and re-establish wholeness. By projecting our issues onto a drama, we are able to externalize our internal process briefly. It is clear we are not alone in experiencing the issues depicted on screen. Everyone needs to reconnect with unfelt dimensions, especially in stressful times when we tend to disconnect. This form of psychological reflection helps us clarify who we can become, and embrace our internal beauty, depth, and presence.
CE Credit information
The material is presented at an introductory level, requiring no background in mythic studies, narrative theory, or Jungian psychology.
The following CE credits are available:
- Psychology, MFT, LCSW, NBCC : 6 CE hours
- Nursing : 7 hours
Most teachers must get credits approved by their school administration. Center courses meet the requirements in most states. Contact us if you need more information about receiving credit in your state.
Learning Objectives
Identify how plot stages mirror key development tasks.
Demonstrate how scenes from movies can be used to clarify specific life challenges.
Explain the use of dream analysis methods to draw insights from favorite films.