By Sandeep Kulshrestha
Few Psychotherapists have started using Movie Therapy as part of Expressive Art Therapies, especially in the western world. Art based therapies are also getting popular in Countries in Asia, including India, Japan, China etc. Besides therapy, expressive arts can be used in your coaching practice as well. Movies are mass medium where people from all age groups either watch movies or web series. My favorite include Movies like Gandhi, Pursuit of Happyness, Lakshya (in Hindi), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Hindi) and few others and also the web series like Madam Secretary, The West Wing and The Mentalist. There are many more I admire for the purpose of leveraging strengths for a positive outcome.
As a Coach, one can always ask a client, "Which movie inspired you? What was your biggest perception change? Which three people will you tag along with you if indeed you want to watch the movie again? Who was the most inspiring character? What do you find similar in you? If a Movie is made on your life, what would it be titled? What would people take-away from it" and so on. If we consider a Positive Psychology oriented approach, most of the coaching discussions can be about exploring the ideal self or looking at a bigger picture (literally!!), through the prism of strengths.
This is surely a powerful medium when we think of impactful Leadership Coaching. This would also be useful for any other coaching situation like life coaching, perspective change coaching and the like.
The show "The West Wing" Inspired me personally. It showcased a great leader who could lead by an example of moral, pragmatic and positive leadership. So did the movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness" where the male protagonist displayed the strengths of courage under crisis and Resilience. It helps me in getting charged up, to stay positive and overall, believe in myself.
We are offering a Certificate in Movie based coaching through our sister organization, Flourishing Happiness Centre. For details, please email us at [email protected]
