Exploring the therapeutic potential of the documentary genre:

a participatory construction of a methodology that contributes to the psychosocial recovery of victims of the armed conflict

Abstract

This article presents the main results derived from the exploration of the possible therapeutic function of the documentary genre, identified initially by Chilean documentary filmmaker Santiago Moreno. This exploration led to the design of a first methodological proposal for the production of audiovisual pieces in this genre, which on the one hand, can contribute to in a broader approach to the psychosocial approach based on the needs in the recovery processes of the victims of the armed conflict in Colombia who suffer from the consequences of traumatic events derived from the war, and on the other hand, to the construction of historical memory through the materialization of their stories in this format. The proposed methodology was born from the dialogue between some academics and students in the areas of psychology and communication, audiovisual producers, journalists and victims from different communities in Colombia. Thinking about the documentary as a potential therapy tool could contribute to the generation and reconstruction of stories to promote positive changes in the lives of the victims and recognizing them as subjects capable of claiming their rights, understood as from the need for comprehensive reparation in relation to the processes of those emotional affectations that prevent them from enjoying better well-being. Likewise, it provokes some reflections about the opportunities and ethical commitments inherent to the realization of these narrative exercises of this nature and it enunciates the challenges for its applicability in the context of the Colombian post-agreement.