USING FILM PRODUCTION TO SUPPORT THERAPY

FILM AS A PATHWAY TO HEALING

A collection of films created by young people, exploring storytelling as a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and building meaningful connections with others.

PARTICIPANT FILMS

FILM COLLECTION

DAY TO NIGHT

HIGH SCHOOL

GRANDADS VOICE

Guitar

Texturz

ABOUT

Unscript Your Mind explores how filmmaking can support young adults in their personal healing journeys. By combining creativity with therapeutic practice, empowering participants to reflect on their experiences, identity, and emotions through storytelling.

Inspired by autoethnographic therapy, this collaborative approach turns film production into a powerful tool for self-discovery, resilience, and connection.

VISION

To create a world where young people use filmmaking as therapy, fostering healing, resilience, creativity, and meaningful connections.

MISSION

We empower young adults to explore identity and emotions through storytelling, transforming filmmaking into a powerful therapeutic and educational practice.

MOTTO

Changing perspectives, healing minds and inspiring growth – one unscripted story at a time through the art of filmmaking.

UNSCRIPT

YOUR

MIND

Rachael Fitzsimons

My name is Rachael Fitzsimons, I’m currently undertaking a Ph.D. in Film Production at the University of Lancashire, where I also completed both my undergraduate and master’s degrees in the same field. My research explores the use of film production as a tool to enhance complementary therapy. As a practicing experimental filmmaker with over 12 years of experience, my creative practice informs my academic work, allowing for a practice based approach to my research.

WHY THIS IS EFFECTIVE

EMPOWERING MINDS AND INSPIRING GROWTH, ONE STORY AT A TIME

Unscript Your Mind combines filmmaking, therapy, and collaboration to help young adults express themselves, build resilience, and discover personal growth.

Therapeutic Storytelling

Using film production as a pathway for healing, reflection, and emotional growth.

Empowering Young Voices

Giving participants the tools to express themselves and share their personal journeys.

Creative Collaboration

Encouraging teamwork and connection through the shared process of filmmaking.

Research-Driven Impact

Grounding practice in evidence to explore film’s role in supporting mental health and resilience.

tool kit

The Creative Practice Tool Kits are designed to explore how film production can be used as a tool within complementary therapy, both by practicing therapists and individuals currently undergoing therapy. Each toolkit provides a structured set of creative activities, such as storytelling, visual mapping, and emotional reflection through filming and editing. For therapists, the toolkit offers session templates and practical guidance for integrating film production into their practice. While the participant version empowers individuals to engage in film making by using accessible tools like smartphones and free editing apps.

video diary

As part of this research project, a video diary has been made to document and reflect upon the creative and emotional journey undertaken throughout the process. This visual diary serves as both a personal and a methodological tool, capturing my real-time challenges, and insights as they arise. This diary offers a transparent account of the practice led research process, providing valuable context and personal growth.

TESTIMONIALS

PARTICIPANT REFLECTION

Creating my film was a transformative experience. It allowed me to express feelings I couldn’t put into words, and through storytelling, I found new ways to understand myself and connect with others. Truly empowering and healing.

I never imagined filmmaking could be therapeutic. The process helped me reflect on my experiences, gain confidence, and see my challenges from a new perspective. This project gave me a safe space to grow creatively and emotionally.

Working on my short film was both fun and deeply meaningful. It encouraged self-reflection, built resilience, and allowed me to share my story in a way that felt authentic and empowering.

FAQ's

Research & Impact

This project investigates how filmmaking can support young adults in therapy, helping them build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional coping skills. By combining collaborative film production with autoethnographic methods, the study highlights the therapeutic potential of storytelling, revealing how creative expression fosters personal growth, reduces stigma around mental health, and strengthens understanding of identity.

What was the purpose of this research?

The study explored how practical film production strategies can support young adults (aged 18–25) receiving complementary therapy, helping them build resilience, self-understanding, and emotional coping skills.

What methodology was used?

The project combined autoethnographic therapy with collaborative filmmaking. Participants created short films reflecting personal experiences, while researchers observed, collected reflections, and analyzed outcomes to assess therapeutic impact.

What were the key findings?

The research found that filmmaking:

Encouraged self-expression and emotional reflection
Built resilience in coping with anxiety and depression
Reduced perceived stigma around mental health
Supported participants’ understanding of personal and cultural identity

Who participated in the study?

Participants were young adults aged 18–25 currently receiving complementary therapy, along with support from therapists and facilitators guiding the filmmaking process.

How can these findings be applied?

The insights can guide therapists, educators, and youth programs in using filmmaking as a therapeutic tool, offering creative, evidence-based approaches to support mental health and resilience.

Get Involved

Are you a therapist, educator, or organization interested in supporting young adults through creative filmmaking? Unscript Your Mind offers opportunities to:

Use the toolkit: Access our resources to implement filmmaking as a therapeutic tool.
Run workshops: Lead your own sessions inspired by our project methods.
Collaborate on future projects: Partner with us to expand the impact of creative therapy initiatives.

Get in touch: Fill out the enquiry form below to start a conversation about collaborating, using the toolkit, or hosting workshops.