Cinema Therapy: How We Can Use Movies To Learn More About Ourselves
Everyone has that one movie they could watch over and over again. Whether it’s a comedy or a love story, action or thriller, there is just that one storyline that always makes us feel better.
Well, have you ever wondered why that is? According to Birgit Wolz, PhD., MFT, “Cinematherapy can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth… {it} allows us to use the effect of imagery, plot, music, etc. in films on our psyche for insight, inspiration, emotional release or relief, and natural change.”
When we watch movies, whether we’re watching it for the hundredth time or the first, they provoke emotions in us. We can find ways to connect to certain characters, relate to specific storylines, and find comfort in the fact that others have similar experiences. As time passes we also may find ourselves relating to different characters within the movie or show, so even though we know what is happening and how it’s going to end, we watch it with a whole new set of eyes based upon what we have happening in our lives currently.
So next time you’re watching a movie, ask yourself these questions.
- Why did you pick this movie?
- What’s going on that you can relate to in the movie?
- What insight did you gain after the movie is over?
And if you want to read more in-depth about this topic, check out these articles called “How Watching Movies Can Benefit Our Mental Health” and “Film Therapy: The Benefits of Watching Movies.”
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