I have a special interest in the ways that media – TV shows, films, videogames, podcasts, social media – can be healing and therapeutic. I am particularly curious about the benefits of horror films, true crime/crime drama, and other alternative genres, and whether media can be a source of meaning, justice, and activism for those who have experienced violence and abuse.
If you want to learn more, please explore the links below.
Workshops
‘Horror films as therapy: A good scare is self-care!’
Friday 30 October 6-7:30pm (online)
Horror films can be cathartic, validating and meaningful, and can help us make sense of difficult experiences and feelings. This workshop will explore how horror can be healing, and will include some strategies to try for supercharging your horror film watching.
You do not need to be a horror fan to attend and this workshop is intended to be informative, not scary.
- The workshop is open to all, online via Zoom.
- £3 to attend (free for students/people on low incomes).
- Email to book a space: amybeddowstherapy@gmail.com
‘Film, TV and CBT? Bringing media into the therapy room’
Friday 30 October 11am-12:30pm
- Online webinar for CBT therapists, book here.
- BABCP Therapists only.
Articles on media
‘CBT in the therapy room’: CBT Today, page 34.
‘The need for alternative representations of domestic violence in film’, April 2023 (with The Media Sigils).
‘I May Destroy You’: Why media representations of sexual violence matter’, June 2022 (with The Media Sigils).
‘Can true crime be feminist?’ April 2021.
Videos and podcasts
The Healing in Horror Films: Life’s Dirty Little Secrets podcast.
The role of the arts in ending violence against women (panel with Media Sigils): Seamus Heaney Centre.
Female ghosts in horror film: Romancing the Gothic.
What about the men? Masculinity in horror film (panel discussion): Horror Studies Night Bites
Dr Amy Beddows 