Symbolic communication and silence in an informal interpersonal helping process (extract from the film Chocolat by Lasse Hallström).

The paper looks at the symbolic communication – the unconscious communication that lies beyond words – and the use of silence in a non-therapeutic setting. I chose to reflect on a brief but meaningful encounter between the free-spirited Vianne and abused village woman Josephine from the film Chocolat by Lasse Hallström. I looked at the unfolding of this informal helping process, reflected on the non-verbal communication, the body language and the wise use of silence. The paper also looks at my personal unconscious motives for choosing this exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]