Movie therapy, often known as cinema therapy, is a therapy that involves watching a movie recommended by a doctor or therapist.
The mix of thematic elements—music, conversation, lighting, and images—can frequently elicit strong emotions in viewers, enabling both internal reflection and new perspectives on external events.
Movies can be used in individual therapy, group therapy, or family therapy, but they have been instrumental in couples counseling.
How Can Movie Therapy Help with Healing?
A film can elicit a wide range of emotions in its viewers. Who hasn’t left a movie theater crying, afraid, inspired, or otherwise moved? Movies can open a person’s eyes to new solutions to a variety of problems and give various therapeutic benefits in addition to amusement.
They may offer optimism, serve as role models, or reframe difficulties. Film characters can also be used to represent various challenges that individuals encounter. Viewing a movie in which a character achieves recovery from the same condition, for example, maybe both be inspirational and useful to a person confronting alcohol misuse in therapy.
Furthermore, movies can give a secure space for people to express their thoughts and feelings. Direct questioning from a therapist may be unsettling, particularly those who struggle with openly communicating their feelings.
Cinema in therapy can be a less intimidating way to discuss sentiments. It allows patients to explore worries indirectly by comparing them to those of the characters in the film. Some people may be more inclined to recognize the prevalence of specific issues in their relationships and personal lives when they first see them in a movie.
A person in an emotionally abusive relationship may be unaware that the relationship is abusive. Still, a fictional depiction of an abusive relationship may offer the person a better grasp of what constitutes abuse.
Benefits of Movie Therapy
Movies can help with a variety of mental health issues.
- Improve your mood
If you suffer from an anxiety illness or depression or are anxious and bothered about work and family obligations, watching a movie could make you feel better.
According to a study, engaging in leisure activities such as viewing movies can improve mood and minimize symptoms of depression.
- Relaxation
According to a study, pleasurable distractions and entertainment may give rest, relaxation, and renewing properties.
It may be more straightforward than it appears to find rest by watching a movie. It could be good to remove any needless distractions from the film.
If you have problems disconnecting from work or other daily pressures, consider keeping your phone and other devices in another room or setting them to “do not disturb” mode, so you’re only interrupted for essential concerns.
You may discover that you can engage your attention with the narrative you follow without distractions, making for a more relaxing experience.
A musical or romantic comedy, sometimes known as a rom-com, may be just what you need to unwind after a long day.
- Motivation
Giving your mind a vacation from work to do something enjoyable may drive you to be more productive when you eventually return to work and help you avoid burnout symptoms.
If the film depicts someone successfully pursuing their dreams, it may inspire you to do the same. According to a study, it may also motivate you to start a new pastime or pursue a new goal.
- Improve your relationships
If you’ve been feeling a disconnect with someone important to you, whether your love partner, closest friend or child, viewing movies together could be just what you need to rekindle your relationship.
It might be beneficial if you share similar tastes in movies and choose something new that you’re both excited to see.
Not only will you bond throughout the viewing experience, but you may also feel a renewed sense of closeness when you discuss what you saw afterward.
- Reduce your tension
A good comedy can assist you in relieving stress. A 2016 study discovered that laughter could lower stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline in the body.
If you don’t want to laugh, watch a drama or a tearjerker. According to a 2020 study, crying may also lower cortisol levels in the blood.
- Motivate social and cultural reflection
Watching films that deal with complex subjects could be a thought-provoking experience for you.
Whether you want to learn more about a current social topic or create a debate about an opposing viewpoint, watching films can help educate and enlighten you.
Conclusion
Engaging in activities that you enjoy can be helpful, such as viewing movies. It has the potential to improve your mental health, ease stress, and create relationships.
Nonetheless, movies are neither medication nor a cure for your mental health concerns. If you have symptoms such as anxiety, depression, burnout, among others interfering with your everyday life, a mental health expert may assist you.
They might be able to tell you whether movie therapy is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.