"Movie therapy is the way that the medium of film can be harnessed for individual and collective healing", says Borehamwood's own movie therapist. Reporter LIANNE KOLIRIN speaks to Bernie Wooder about how films can treat psychological problems.

Thousands of 20 and 30-somethings are anxiously awaiting next month's release of the Star Wars prequel.

And this, says Britain's only movie therapist Bernie Wooder, is not just the result of marketing hype.

"They are modern fairy tales. Most people have watched these films over and over again, and that's a very unusual phenomenon."

Films can stir up deep emotions and the latest episode in the sci-fi series will transport many viewers back to their childhood.

Bernie, 58, who lives in Theobald Street, incorporates film into his brand of psychotherapy.

Rather than prescribing his favourite flicks, Bernie asks his patients to recall their celluloid memories to deal with complaints such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

He said: "Because films have been a big part of my life I have found that people can often relate to them. They say to me that there's a scene in this film which is exactly what they grew up with. That is a gift to a therapist as it gives me a really clear understanding."

As he was growing up during the war, Bernie's mother regularly took him to the cinema.

"By the time I was five I was a budding Barry Norman", he said. "I don't live in Elstree by accident, you know."

Patients from all walks of life are treated at his clinics in Borehamwood, West Hampstead or Harley Street. A fully trained psychotherapist and counsellor, film is just one of the methods Bernie uses.

Classics such as It's a Wonderful Life, Schindler's List and The Wizard of Oz have a universal appeal, but inspiration is usually a much more personal thing. Muriel's Wedding helped one patient with a weight problem, while another overcame his marriage difficulties by watching Titanic.

Censorship is a controversial issue and one that Bernie does not agree with. However, he does feel that more research should be done. About the recent massacre in Colorado, he said: "I think The Basketball Diaries could have been a contributory factor but to people who already had a problem."

He added: "There are many young people looking for spirituality in many things in life and I feel people are getting that much more from films than church."

As well treating individuals, Bernie works with studios and academics. He regularly appears on radio and TV phone-ins and is currently writing a book.

"I think cinema and films can change society for the better. You can use films to enrich you and heal you when you are lonely." The proof, he says, is in the pudding. "People don't keep coming to you and paying you if they don't get results."

For further details you can contact Mr Wooder's Borehamwood practice on 0181 386 4846.

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