Movies As Therapy

An increasing number of therapist are turning to movies to encourage conversation, personal reflection and a new perspective on life's ups and downs. Movies have the power to reach us on a deeper level through dialogue, characters, color and lighting, music and story. They can change the way we think and feel and offer a temporary escape from reality.

Movie therapy does wonders for the soul an can help you learn to achieve more positive results in your life. Here's how you can get the most out of your movie experience.

Choosing Movies

Reflect on personal issues. Choose movies which address your concerns. The Internet makes it easy to search for movie topics, from bad relationships to drug addiction to losing your job.

Have a good cry. To make progress, sometimes you need an emotional release. For example, maybe you’re going through a death in the family. A film about death may reduce you to tears temporarily, but then it allows you to move on and rise up.

Explore positive role models. Seek out movie characters you admire. Identify the qualities and actions in those characters that you already possess or want to emulate.

Enjoy great masterpieces. Many of the most revered directors in world cinema can be counted on for spiritual lessons and psychological insights. Be inspired to evoke change.

Lighten up. Of course, you may be looking for a good laugh. Take a break for a few hours and relax with a comedy after a stressful day at work.

Watching Movies

Savor repeat viewings. How many times have you watched your favorite movie? It can be difficult to absorb everything all at once. As you mature through different stages of your life, your reactions may change as well.

Pay attention to your physical reactions. Our bodies sometimes provide clues to our deepest thoughts. While viewing a movie, observe when you’re becoming tense or relaxed. Notice what makes you smile or frown.

Take note of what you like and dislike. Examining our acceptance or resistance to certain characters, scenes, or themes can help us to understand ourselves better. Perhaps you cringe at a story that brings back unpleasant memories of summer camp. You also may be drawn to an actor or character who reminds you of someone you know.

Create a journal. Put your thoughts down in writing during or after viewing a movie. It will help you track plot developments and make personal connections to the movie. Having notes that you can consult later will also enable you to revisit topics that you want more time to ponder.

Develop an action plan. Turn all these great lessons from the movie reels into constructive changes in your real life. Set specific written goals for various aspects of your life.

Sharing Movies

Open up with your partner. It can take a lot of courage to face the most sensitive issues in a romantic relationship. Movies are one way to break the ice and tackle difficult topics.

Gather the family around. Our families have a profound impact on our lives. Watch films together and encourage everyone to participate in an insightful discussion about the movie.

Learn from others. It can be very revealing to see how different people interpret the same movie. If you go to a movie with friends, reflect on it afterwards over coffee or dinner. Join a movie club or begin viewing a wider range of films to discuss with your friends.

If you’re already in counseling or dealing with serious issues, talk with your therapist. They can advise you about whether movie therapy is appropriate for you and how to integrate it into an appropriate treatment plan.

So, get more out of the hours you already spend watching movies. Focus on films that teach you more about yourself and strengthen your coping skills. Movie therapy is an effective way to make personal development fun!