A Dangerous Method? The Use of Film in the Therapeutic Process

The author analyses activities described as film therapy in Poland, emphasising the fact that in their description the term is often overused (most of them use film as a tool in school and social education or even rehabilitation, without any connection to therapy as a psychological and psychiatric method), which can cause some perplexity among those interested in the topic. The author also discusses the ideological implications of the method, inscribing it in the context of therapeutic culture and referring to Polish publications about film therapy, as they are potential signposts for those looking for information on the issue. This leads to the conclusion that film therapy can be seen as a part of film and media education in Poland, that favours the utilisable and reducing approach to cinema. Visible, especially on internet film forums, is an urgent need to educate the viewers, which reveals an even broader problem (that will be only briefly mentioned) – humanities education in general.