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Movies play therapist for addicted teens

Using movies in therapy is not a new idea -- it's one that has been used by therapists and counselors for years. However, Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS) is taking it to a new level.

Using movies in therapy is not a new idea -- it's one that has been used by therapists and counselors for years.

However, Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS) is taking it to a new level. RASS is starting up a unique therapeutic program using films, such as Black Swan, Ordinary People and Stand By Me, designed to stimulate discussion and reflection for teenagers ages 16 to 19.

As far as Robyn Lam, a youth and family counselor at RASS, is concerned this is the only program of its kind in B.C.

"In a group setting, teens feel less threatened when they talk about movie characters rather than themselves," said Lam. "If an issue is too painful, we have found that teens will often talk about stories in films or characters that they identify with."

The free program, dubbed Talking Pictures, begins Wednesday, Nov. 2 and runs for seven weeks, ending Dec. 16.

The idea for the program came about because said Lam: "We have another program called Life Lessons, for 13 to 16, and it is quite popular. The problem is that once the kids graduate, there were no other programs for them."

Talking Pictures involves watching films each week that touch on five different topics -- peers, family, substance misuse, mental disorders and self-identity. Lam said these are all very relevant topics for teens going into adulthood.

"Depending on the demand and if the teens really take to it, Talking Pictures has the opportunity to become an ongoing program at RASS," added Lam.

For each topic, the participants will get to choose from a set of movies.

"All of these movies have been seen by me and have in them issues that are relevant to the topic we want to cover," added Lam. "Although they can choose, the program is quite structured and we know what we want to cover.

"After the movie, the group shall share a meal together and reflect on the issues in the film, as well as how they reacted to it and how they relate it to their own experience."

Talking Pictures, a closed group using movies as a therapeutic tool, runs for seven weeks starting Wednesday, Nov. 2 to Dec. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.

It also includes two Friday nights at the beginning and closing end of the program. Register no later than November 2 as the group therapy program only accepts 12 participants.

The sessions take place at Richmond Addiction Services, #200-7900 Alderbridge Way.

For more information or to register, call 604-270-9220 or visit www.richmondaddictions.ca.