FILM TRAJECTORY

The first programme for a pilot, researching the effectiveness of the film trajectory method as a treatment for people suffering from PTSD and related addictive behaviour.

SUMMARY

The film trajectory method uses the cinematic principle of fictionalising autobiographical events in order to emancipate the addict or client from his or her negative self-image and related addictive behavioural patterns. The pilot programme consists in the development of an evidence-based method to help addicts steer clear of active addiction, to prevent relapse and to reduce depression and PTSD related symptoms.. This original method has been developed by Gwen Nieuwenhuize during her MA in Artistic Research in and through Cinema at the Netherlands Film Academy in Amsterdam and presented publicly for the first time in the EYE Film Institute in Amsterdam in June 2016. This first presentation was followed, so far, by screenings and presentations at NIMHAFF- Belfast, The REEL Recovery film festival NYC and Cape Town Recovery Film Festival, and raised great interest among professionals and addicts.

The pilot’s goal is to further develop and test this method with clients that suffer from PTSD, depression and or anxiety and have a history of addiction, but are clean now. This initial research project, in collaboration with a team of professional clinical psychologists , can lead to a more substantial research phase in which the method can be tested with larger groups. Should the research be successful, the treatment method can be applicable in multiple clinics and rehabs around the world. 

We are the first addiction and PTSD clinic that uses film and distancing as a treatment method. The film trajectory is a unique process in which art meets the public health world. It will be a collaboration of a year between Gwen Nieuwenhuize, UvA prof Reinout Wiers and AHK, Master in Film, Mieke Bernink en Eyal Sivan. Tested and evaluated on a professional level by the UvA diagnostics graduates and on the experiential and artistic level by Gwendolyn Nieuwenhuize.

THE ‘FILM TRAJECTORY’ RATIONAL

Among the main factors that stand in the way of change in addicts’ behaviour are fear or lack of faith, shame and guilt and a disturbed or distorted perception of the self. Fear is the opposite of faith and this is exactly what people in active addiction and people with PTSD and depression suffer from. This paralysing fear makes the addict hold on to the past, hold on to the behaviour that is familiar although it is destructive or inefficient.

Fictionalising one’s traumatic events is beneficial to create a distance from one’s lived experiences. Once the distance is made, the addict gains an overview over all the different interactions and triggers that played a role in the addictive behaviour. Referring to a fictional character the addict feels safe. It is not him or her, although it is him or her. The use of fiction bypasses emotionally difficult situations concerning fear, shame and guilt, by talking about a fictional character. Fictionalisation brings the subject to understand that she/he is not the slave of circumstance but that there might have been and still can be other options or choices in any given situation.

The film trajectory method seeks to help addicts stay clear of active addiction, gain insight in their triggers and character structures by building fictional characters. It aims to develop insight in relapse and reduce depression and PTSD related symptoms. By directing a fictional film (and the film crew) the method allows the addicts to gain trust in themselves by personal empowerment, spiritual growth and change.

The film trajectory gets addicts out of isolation and out of the downward spiral of compulsive thinking through the use of a new and unfamiliar creative activity. It brings them into action, exposes their problems, provides insights, and brings joy and new ways of behaviour and communication which together help to shift their self-perception, their lives and their addiction.

THE ‘FILM TRAJECTORY’ METHOD

The essence of the method is distancing: a process of taking distance to allow the client to emancipate from his/her autobiography. Following the trajectory, step by step, will lead the client into a process of gradual distancing, through the fictionalization of their stories – first in writing and then in preparing and executing the filming with the public screening of the result at the end. In all of these steps – guided and monitored by the project initiator and coordinator – the client will take more and more distance from his/her autobiographical factual life story; he/she will come to see that story from a more neutral point of view.

He/she will become a director and ultimately a spectator. The persisting traumatic “film” in the client’s head becomes a real film in which the client is not the victim, but the spectator. Making one’s story into a story that an audience has to relate to or identify with, will fundamentally shift self-centred thinking to thinking of the needs of the audience or the still suffering addict.

The film trajectory method © Gwendolyn Nieuwenhuize – December 2017.