Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, a psychologist and filmmaker, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking movement in psychology and artistic expression, harnessing the power of selfie filmmaking and positive psychology to revolutionize mental health approaches. With a profound belief in the untapped potential of individuals, her work focuses on women, children, and adolescents, seeking to empower and heal through self-discovery and creative narrative expression.

Her focus on this special group from a profound understanding of their vulnerabilities. She recognizes the pivotal moments in a child’s life and the challenges faced by women, advocating for nurturing environments and tools for expression that aid in navigating life’s complexities. “I realized soon in my own research on how we react and develop our lives as we grow up, usually in a family, that kids are very vulnerable and so are women,” Dr. Holstein says. 

In a candid interview with RedX Magazine, Dr. Holstein expressed her unique approach to mental health care. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers have endorsed her life-changing work. Since 1996, she has given herself to positive psychology, helping women recognize their talents, strengths and potential. 

Selfie Filmmaking: A Channel for Emotional Expression and Empowerment

Dr. Holstein’s foray into selfie filmmaking stemmed from her deep understanding of the need for creative outlets, especially among today’s youth. “The coming of age short selfie films that I wrote and directed have unveiled a new paradigm of dramatic expression,” Dr. Holstein says, emphasizing the profound emotional intensity captured by the young actresses starring in her films. 

Image Caption: Selfie film project (From left) Angelina, Rachel Gesner, Dr. Holstein and Elena Cuesta

These films, embraced by nearly 200 film festivals and honored with multiple awards, serve not only as artistic endeavors but also as educational tools that resonate deeply with adult audiences.

Her selfie films are based on many of the topics that she has covered in her two books for girls, The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween and Secrets: Diary of a Gutsy Teen,  both published by Sky Horse Press. 

Envisioning the smartphone as a transformative tool for storytelling and creative expression, Dr. Holstein says, “My vision for the smartphone is a visionary dream that I know will come true.” 

The Selfie Project, an extension of her visionary outlook, encompasses diverse avenues for creative expression. It includes children crafting drama, engaging discussions with experts, and the creation of insightful selfie films addressing personal issues.

“The Enchanted Self” and Its Transformative Principles

Dr. Holstein’s journey commenced with a realization that conventional mental health treatments primarily addressed problems rather than nurturing innate talents. 

Her pioneering work culminated in “The Enchanted Self,” a profound concept aimed at helping individuals recognize their potentials and talents. While initially met with skepticism in some professional circles, her visionary approach predated the emergence of positive psychology as a crucial facet of mental health care.

At the heart of her approach lies the core principle of identifying and developing one’s strengths, hidden potentials, and talents. Her work provides a roadmap for individuals to unlock their abilities, fostering wellbeing not only through psychological insights but also through creative exercises, such as art, poetry, and self-expression via selfie filmmaking.

Dr. Holstein’s insights are deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and writings. Her work delves into multifaceted topics resonating with young audiences, from the challenges of adolescence to navigating family dynamics, love, friendships, and beyond. Her films draw inspiration from these themes, elevating them through the lens of self-expression and visual storytelling.

The Role of Narrative Psychology in Healing

Narrative psychology serves as a cornerstone of Dr. Holstein’s therapeutic methods. Through dramatic scripts and innovative production, she crafts immersive experiences that prompt audiences to introspect, empathize, and find resonance with their own lives.

“My coming of age films such as Truth is Stranger than Fiction, A Coming of Age Selfie Film gives the audience to remember what they have gone through in growing up. The same with my Zoom drama performances. They are designed for adults to realize things about marriage, family, maybe themselves througth the drama script that was written and presented on Zoom,” she explains. 

Reflecting on her recent battle with Covid-19, Dr. Holstein emphasized the significance of human connection and new experiences. “Covid made me realize what our brains really need. We need to be with others and to have new experiences,” she notes, underscoring the detrimental effects of isolation on mental well-being.

Unlike conventional approaches fixated on problems, her methodology accentuates positive psychology, guiding individuals toward a path of self-discovery, resilience, and overall well-being.

Her groundbreaking approach, encapsulated in “The Enchanted Self,” diverges from historical psychology paradigms. “The problem historically is that psychology and most mental health treatments always focused on one’s problems rather than one’s talents,” Dr. Holstein reveals. The Enchanted Self emphasizes positive psychology and guides individuals toward self-discovery and resilience.

Looking ahead, she foresees positive psychology evolving to equip healers in trauma reduction while nurturing individuals’ self-belief in their incredible potential, despite any past traumas they might carry. Her vision encompasses a future where therapy doesn’t just heal wounds but also unveils the innate talents residing within each person.

“Right now my goal is Saving a generation of girls coming out of the pandemic and to do this my series of 5 workbooks can really help,” she says. Addressing the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Holstein offers practical advice for families to rebuild resilience and foster well-being. 

Leveraging the Power That is Family

In her most recent book, “Seven Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic,” she emphasizes family communication, acknowledging individual strengths, shared activities, and seeking professional help for mental health issues. According to Dr. Holstein, “Families can build resilience and self-esteem as we still work our way out of the pandemic by focusing more on each person’s talents, strengths and potential rather than on the small thingsor big that constantly may annoy each other in family life.”

To Dr. Holstein, family not only comes first, but is also one of the safest place for anyone to find healing. “A family meeting once every couple of weeks to allow each person to talk without being interrupted can really help. Also, having meals together and phones put away can help. And don’t forget to go bowling as a family or zooming with grandma or baking a cake together,” she insists.