Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a best-selling author and film maker who uses positive psychology concepts to help kids deal with bullying, anxiety, depression, loneliness, school shootings and social media issues.
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein was recently featured on the front cover of FilmMakerLife Magazine. The article, titled 'The Enchanted Self: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein's Visionary Approach to Filmmaking’ captured the spirit of Dr. Holstein's one-of-a-kind approach to modern-day, selfie film making, which combines filmmaking with positive psychology. The article stated in part:
"In the world of filmmaking, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a true trailblazer. A positive psychologist and filmmaker, she seamlessly combines her expertise in psychology with the art of storytelling to create captivating films that explore the depths of human emotions and experiences. Dr. Holstein's unique approach, based on her concept of the 'Enchanted Self', not only pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking but also aims to inspire, uplift, and empower individuals, especially . . . girls, in an ever-changing world."
The article went on to say:
"Dr. Holstein's dedication to spreading her vision extends beyond the realm of filmmaking. Over the years, she has actively engaged in various forms of teaching, interviews, writing books, hosting a public TV show, podcasts, newsletters, and more. Her commitment to making a positive impact on society shines through in all her endeavors, making her true advocate for positive psychology and self empowerment."
“Sometimes it seems like one walks a million miles before what you have created is noticed or understood,” Dr. Holstein stated. “I have felt that way about Selfie Filmmaking. For almost 8 years, I have had the chance to work with teenage girls in a number of films, all about coming-of-age issues that we all have faced long ago when we were young. These issues are such things as a first crush, moving when you don't want to, not having friends, sibling rivalry, parents not getting along, being bullied, wanting a best friend, feeling anxious, keeping a secret or not, etc.
“I would write the script, often based on characters I had already developed in books I had written, published by Sky Horse Press, 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween,' and 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen.' Then the actress would take the script, and ultimately, she would bring alive the scenes I had written in her own way, filming herself with a smartphone. Later, as we put the final film together, we would bring in a small crew for more complicated scenes. The interaction was dynamite.
“Immediately, the first film 'The Truth, a Short Film,' was accepted at a prestigious film festival, the 'Garden State Film Festival' in New Jersey. As time has gone on, the films are approaching 200 festivals and other related programs of acceptance. I remember 'Falling in Love, a Coming of Age Selfie Film,' being shown at the Brightside Tavern Festival in Jersey City, New Jersey, and the audience clapping and someone calling out: who created such an amazing film with such drama and depth'? Of course, I took my bows and also introduced Megan Brown, who was the star. Without her, the drama of falling in love could not have unfolded.
“Yet, for many years, my selfie films have stood alone, without others experimenting in the concept of integrating drama, psychology, and filmmaking as a clear approach to both help with self-esteem and resilience and also give teens a chance to really become filmmakers, and lastly to bring drama and hope to all.
“When the Filmmaker Life Magazine approached me, I felt finally understood, blessed as a psychologist and a filmmaker, and valued. Thank you for giving me a chance to go public with my life work as a psychologist and in recent years as a filmmaker. My dream is to make many more selfie films, integrating adolescents in much longer plots, full-length movies, and streaming series. And, oh, let me not forget, bringing adult actors on board also who do many of their scenes by themselves, choosing setting, clothing, makeup, etc. Why not? Sounds good to me, and who knows the depth of character that will emerge?”
Dr Holstein also focuses on films and books that will inspire and help encourage self esteem and resilience for the older audience via films, Zoom dramas, podcasts, plays and other forms of media.
Dr. Holstein hopes to bring parents, teachers, librarians, grandparents and media together to accomplish one goal: Change in the lives of young people who suffer from anxiety and a growing sense of hopelessness and despair.
Dr. Holstein wraps Positive Psychology concepts in forms of media that young people find engaging, relatable and inspiring. These include:
Five bestselling, award-winning books (perfect for school libraries)
Five self-esteem workbooks for girls 8 and up
Award-winning films and coming of age selfie films
Podcasts
Dedicated websites
Stage plays
A library of articles
Ted-style talks
As a school psychologist and in her private practice, Dr. Holstein has worked with many children and parents, helping them to develop life skills in decision-making, recognition of their own talents, feel more courageous, and helping both kids and parents develop more successful inter-generational skills. Her last book, ‘Conflict and a Bit of Magic’, helps kids build self-esteem though reading the journal of a girl, identifying with the girl, and understanding they have more courage and resiliency than they thought they had. The book is based on the experiences of the already famous “girl” from 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween' and 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen', and achieved bestseller status in the multi-generational families category.
Dr. Holstein’s latest workbook for kids, ‘Secrets’ achieved bestseller status in the ‘Teen & Young Adult Nonfiction on Depression’ category.
Dr. Holstein's cutting-edge presentations, most recently based on the Covid-19 pandemic issues, can be found on both YouTube, Vimeo and on the Roku channel and Amazon Fire TV, titled as 'The Enchanted Self Presents'.
Dr. Holstein recently created The Selfie Showcase, a new project emerging from The Selfie Project, that allows young people to voice their opinions on subjects that matter to young people, including the pandemic.
The Selfie Showcase allows kids, teens, and young adults ages 13 to 18 to candidly express their concerns, worries, observations and possible solutions by creating selfie videos or films around important subjects using a smartphone. Dr. Holstein's mission is to help rectify, in several ways, some issues young people face by giving them a chance to engage with others in meaningful ways about the anxiety and stress they must grapple with constantly.
Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com.More information about the Selfie Showcase is available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. Selfie videos and selfie films can be uploaded at the site. Potential podcast guests can contact Dr. Holstein by email. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.
Profile:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.
Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting. Her Roku channel is: The Enchanted Self Presents.
She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Honey Good, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time online, Readers Digest, Parade, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.
Contact:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com
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