Cinema Therapy

Have you ever watched a movie and at the end learned something about yourself, felt validated/understood or gained an insight about a circumstance in your life? If you’re like me and consume visual media like movies, tv shows and DnD actual plays, then you’ve likely watched something that inspired you, made you cry or changed a facet of your life for the better. As an expressive arts therapist, I deeply value the usage of storytelling for insight development and wellness. 

According to PositivePsychology, “[In Cinema Therapy the] therapist assigns a film to a client, choosing it specifically to reflect a core aspect of the client’s work. The client watches the film independently and brings their input to the next session. This tool can also be used for couples and families.” Here are a few benefits to engaging with this therapeutic approach:

• Increased access to emotions to foster overall well-being: Whether the movie brings up belly laughs or is a “tear jerker,” having time to watch a movie that helps to access emotions can help improve overall mental health. When we can feel righteous indignation or feel seen and validated, our mental health can feel lighter than when the movie first started

• Improved outlook on stressors and circumstances: There are definitely movies that when I finish watching them that I have an improved outlook on the world around me. They may foster hope, provide sobriety to a trying time or cause me to think about my actions and behaviors. 

• Opportunities to reality test one’s current state of affairs: Similar to thinking about my actions and behaviors, Cinema Therapy can be a tool to look at society and level-set the world around me. It may confirm a dire circumstance or provide activation energy to take steps to improve my situation or community.

• Bettering communication skills: In times where I don’t have the words to describe my feelings or tools to confront a challenging person in my life, the right movie anecdote can provide insight into how to handle a difficult situation. Sometimes that movie quote or how the character solves a problem in the cinematic plotline might be a beacon pointing me towards a direction of positive change.

If you’re wondering what could be a good movie for your personal goals and wellness, then consider this a great topic to have with your therapist or healthcare worker. Otherwise, check out the PositivePsychology link above for suggestions.

Happy watching as you invest in your mental health!

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Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.

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