Category: Film, TV & Community

What is movie therapy, and how is it connected with traditional therapeutic principles and health improvement? Can it provide beneficial results? Learn more about the treatment and how it helps mental wellness. Movies can be therapeutic tools that can be used in our own lives. A new study reveals that simply watching films demonstrating marriage difficulties can be as effective as couples’ treatment in reducing divorce rates and keeping the marriage alive.

Exploring the Transformative Power of Movie Therapy

Also called cinema therapy, it is an effective form of psychotherapy that is used as self-help or treatment that therapists use to change a person or individual’s thoughts, feelings, and ability to manage life events to start their healing and growth.

The clients are asked to watch movies consciously and reflectively and to pay attention to the story and to themselves. Then the therapist will discuss it with the client and would them to share their perspective and deep feelings. Study shows that this practice is effective for most people with anxiety, people under medication, addiction, depression, and other mental health disorder.

The movie therapy method can help lessen the rate of divorce and separation of couples by a significant margin. Research proved that therapy sessions with movies could reduce the 25 percent separation rate to 10 percent within the 3rd year mark with its therapeutic purposes.

Below is an index of movies considered reel therapy material that may save a couple’s waning marriage.

Here are some best movies to watch for couples:

#1: When A Man Loves A Woman:

It is a film that portrays the point of view of both characters, husband and wife, struggling in their marriage and other difficulties in their lives. They need relief and natural change. The film shows strong emotions and gives a better understanding of self-destructive behaviors while delivering insights about responsibility. People are not perfect, and all they can do is try to make things better through thick and thin. This emotionally intense popcorn cinema therapy is for couples undergoing troubled times.

#2: Two For The Road

A motion picture prescription concerning a husband and wife who recalls their 12-year marriage while on a road trip. The film shows the disadvantages that women have to deal with upon entering marriage too early or without experience. The movie reveals the restlessness of husbands and wives during married life in jumbled details rather than intellectual progress. It’s a good therapy through movies that also shows that however bad things may become, a breather and a good dialogue are sufficient to fix most of the problems in married life.

#3: Yours, Mine & Ours

It is a good movie that portrays the hardships parents have to deal with regarding their children in a new marriage. This comedy romance movie is enjoyable to watch and is advisable for couples who entered a merging of families and underwent cathartic cinema therapy. The movie will provide them with great ideas on how to adjust better to the new life. The movie is also viewable for children despite one nasty rumor portrayed in the movie.

#4: Husbands and Wives

It is a black comedy movie about two couples and their marriages. The first couple is struggling with their marriage while the other one is in a state of staleness. It is worth watching for evocative cinema therapy due to the film’s heartbreaking and hilarious scenes and the rollercoaster of feelings. This movie shows that every couple has their own set of problems and that no relationship is the same.

Cinema therapy can help repair your married life with its therapeutic value. However, the effort is still the primary reason for it to work out. Seek the help of a therapist if you have to.

You have to make each other feel that both of you are still important in each other’s lives despite the mental health issues and challenges you are facing. Honesty and loyalty are important aspects of married life, but respect and effort undoubtedly make it work to enhance it. Find more information about couples therapy at https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/relations/how-much-does-couple-counseling-cost/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is watching a movie a type of therapy?

Yes, the experience helps individuals explore emotions, gain insights, and promotes personal growth.

What is cinema therapy?

It is an emotional exploration, introspection, and way to personal growth. It entails deliberately and reflectively watching movies, then having discussions with a therapist to delve into the ideas, characters, and emotions depicted in the movie in order to promote healing and growth.

What are its methods and principles?

It utilizes various methods and principles like consciously selecting films that resonate with the individual’s emotional needs, watching them with intention and reflection, engaging in discussions or journaling about the film’s themes and characters, and exploring personal connections and insights gained from the cinematic experience. The principles revolve around utilizing the power of storytelling, identification with characters, emotional engagement, and symbolic representation to promote self-awareness, emotional expression, and personal transformation.

Can movies cure depression?

Even while they can’t cure depression on their own, they can play a significant role in a comprehensive strategy. Because they can provide emotional catharsis, portray relatable plots and characters, arouse hope, and promote self-reflection, they can aid those who are depressed in their healing and rehabilitation. It is imperative to get professional help and combine cinema therapy with research-proven treatments for depression.

What happens in the brain when we watch a movie?

The brain’s many areas are all active. The brain’s emotional centers react to the story and characters, evoking emotional and empathic responses, while visual and auditory sections absorb the sensory data. The production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins by the brain also contributes to the overall enjoyment, engagement, and emotional connection that one feels while viewing a film.

How are movies therapeutic?

Movies, especially those used in cinema therapy, can be therapeutic because they allow viewers to learn from and relate to the characters and situations presented. This therapeutic approach is often recommended by therapists to help clients process emotions and understand their feelings.

Can movies relieve stress?

Yes, watching movies, whether in a cinema or at home, can provide an escape from reality and a chance for relaxation, thus relieving stress. Moreover, movies can also serve as an emotional release, helping viewers to vent and process pent-up feelings.

What benefits do you get from watching films?

Watching films can foster a sense of connection, especially if enjoyed with family. Additionally, movies can be an educational tool, offering insights and lessons that might be applied in real-life situations.

Can movies affect your mental health?

Certainly, movies can influence our mental health, both positively and negatively. While some films might uplift and inspire, others might trigger memories or feelings related to mental illness. It’s essential to choose films wisely and consider consulting a licensed therapist if needed.

Does watching movies release dopamine?

Yes, watching an engaging therapy movie or any enjoyable film can trigger the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. This is why many people turn to movies during their therapy session, whether it’s group therapy, individual therapy, or anger management sessions, to enhance the therapeutic experience.

When I was a kid, my mom told me that I should do whatever it would take to get what I wanted. “If you had to steal it, I would cover up for you. If you had to beat it out of someone, I would even help you,” she said.

I can only imagine how mind-boggled you may be right now upon reading that statement. The social worker who took me out of the trailer park where my mom and I lived was shocked when I told her about it. She uttered that no child should be exposed to such damning ideology because the kid might genuinely do as their parents said.

As you might have expected, my mother lived the thug life. That was the last time I saw her because she was charged with murder and possession of illegal drugs. The court sentenced her to 50 years in prison, which meant that she would most likely die there. 

Did I miss my mother? Perhaps some, but I was already in foster care, where life was already 11 times better than what my mother gave me at the trailer park. I was lucky to go to a foster family that genuinely cared for children like me.

The mom was so different from my mother – from her appearance to the way she spoke. She made me feel cherished in a way that my mother never could since she was always too busy snorting drugs or hanging out with the wrong kind of people.

I was the happiest kid when my foster family decided to file for my adoption after six months of having me. Alas, the social worker explained that it could be a long process because my mother was still alive, even if she was in jail. In response, I asked them to bring me to my mother to beg for her to let me be an official part of my new family.

I thought that mom would refuse or pick up a fight when we arrived. However, when she saw how I looked – saw how healthier I became when we parted ways – she decided to give me up before I could even ask.

What I Learned From That

My life story was not as unconventional as I imagined. Many kids went through similar or worse situations than I did before they got into foster care and were adopted by a loving family. As a part of the process, though, the government required me to get therapy to deal with all the changes in my life at present and make peace with my past.

During one of these sessions, I talked about my mother’s tips to me about getting what I wanted.

“Do you agree with her?” the therapist asked.

“I did when I was much younger,” I said honestly. “That was the norm in the trailer park where we lived. But once I met my new family, I understood that there were certain boundaries that you should never cross, no matter how much you want something.”

“Can you shed some light on those boundaries?”

Never Steal

My mother taught me that stealing was okay, especially if you were doing it to the rich people or anyone who deserved to have something taken away from them. As I grew up, though, I wondered who we were to decide who deserved punishment or not. I was not a god, and neither was my mother.

Never Take Advantage Of Anyone

My mother happened to be a con woman before she became a drug abuser and murderer. She would pose as someone else and trick people into giving her money, jewelry, etc. Once she got bored with the job, she would leave them, but not before emptying their wallets first.

I learned about such stories as my mother told me about them proudly. She called as parts of her glorious old days, and I used to be in awe of her because of them. Luckily, I eventually understood how twisted that was on so many levels.

Never Be The Cause Of Someone’s Hurt

Since my mother clearly had no qualms about disobeying the laws, she ended up hurting someone until it worsened to death. When I asked her why she did it, she said she got upset, turning the guy black and blue. “I did not expect him to die, but he did, so tough luck,” my mother uttered nonchalantly.

Final Thoughts

As you might have guessed, my mother followed her heart one too many times. That’s actually inadvisable because it most likely meant that primitive impulses governed you. It might have been okay eons ago, but it’s unacceptable now.

Whoever is reading this blog, please learn from my mother’s mistakes. I know I did, and it helped me become a better individual. If you know someone who is struggling with mental health, encourage them to try therapy with professional guidance. There are a lot of types of therapy out there such as humor therapy, movie therapy, and many more than can help.

My entire world turned bleak when my psychiatrist diagnosed me with psychosis.

I had these delusions and hallucinations for a few months, so I decided to seek a mental health diagnosis. I already knew it could be psychosis, but I did not want to accept it until the doctor confirmed it. After all, being psychotic does not sound good.

You see, as part of my movie therapy sessions, I had watched many horror movies in my entire life to know that many of the crazy killers had psychosis. They would do it at all costs if they decided to end someone’s life. They would make many elaborate plans to ensure they would get their way in the end. I did not want to be associated with those people, whether they were make-believe or not.

My psychiatrist tried to console me by saying that psychosis was treatable or its significant symptoms. She said, “Many clients who came to my office were so out of touch with reality that their families almost wanted to give up on them and send them to a mental health facility. However, I would never recommend that unless they posed a danger to everyone, including themselves. In most cases, online therapy for trauma healing is possible and helpful for psychotic individuals, so I would also recommend that to you.

In that same week, I met my therapist. She was technically a cognitive-behavioral therapist who explained that this treatment would allow me to talk about everything – from my daily life to my hallucinations to my delusions. There was no wrong answer; I just had to be as open as possible.

Of course, I did as asked because I had never dreamed of living in a mental health facility. I had many life goals to fulfill, and my psychosis should not get in that way.

After almost a year in therapy, I was finally glad to be done with it. I knew it did not cure my psychosis as the symptoms lurked in my mind. Despite that, therapy helped me keep them from poisoning my thoughts and giving me hallucinations again.

Making Lemonades Out Of My Crazy Lemon

I tried to apply for a job after my therapy sessions. The HR staff would always be sweet when they would see me for the first time. But once they flipped through my psychological evaluation documents and saw my diagnosis, they would immediately tell me to wait for their call. We all know what that means.

I called my therapist for guidance when I felt lost. She said, “No one can change others’ perceptions. All you can do is figure out how to use your experience for the better.”

And so I did. I tapped into my psychotic side to be laser-focused on creating a startup business. I also found a few people with the same condition as me, and they excelled in their fields by allowing themselves to be crazy sometimes.

Below are some of the benefits of putting my psychosis to good use:

You Have A Plan For Everything

I used to fear becoming as detailed as the killers in those horror movies I mentioned above. But when I embraced that, I realized how awesome it could be for a non-lethal application.

I got to make a plan for everything. I thought of every possible ending for my company and developed multiple contingency plans. Was it too much? Perhaps, but it was never wrong to prepare for anything.

You Only Keep Deserving People Around

Ever since I got diagnosed with psychosis, I knew I was less empathic than others. I used to be ashamed to admit it, but I stopped pretending to care when I became a boss.

I was not mean or disrespectful to people; I just refused to hire applicants who did not have the skills and characteristics needed for the job(s). For some reason, I knew that they would be a waste of money and effort.

You Always Win

The business world could be an arena for ruthless and endless competition. Everyone could be out to destroy you at every corner, and you had to be vigilant all the time.

In my case, I used my killer instinct to assess my problems and beat every company that tried to challenge me. I did not care if I met the owner at a seminar – I would merely go in for the kill.

Final Thoughts

When I look back on my life, I still cannot fathom how I have managed to make something out of myself. Imagine, getting diagnosed with psychosis was akin to a death sentence for many people. But it honestly helped turn my life around for the better.

I would never wish for anyone to deal with the same mental disorder, but if you are, please know that your world would not have to be bleak forever if you don’t let the problem get the best of you. If you know someone who is struggling with mental health, encourage them to try therapy with professional guidance. There are a lot of types of therapy out there such as humor therapy, movie therapy, and many more than can help.

Note: The following article contains spoilers from the WandaVision TV show. Please continue reading at your own discretion.

One advantage of movie therapy is that I had been a longtime fan of the Marvel franchise; that’s why I was so happy when I found out last year that they were releasing TV shows that were practically spinoffs from the Avengers series. The first that came out on Disney+ was WandaVision. I read before the first episode aired that it was about Wanda Maximoff and Vision’s lives after the Avengers: Endgame movie. From there, many questions came to my mind, such as, “How could there be Vision in that TV show when the character died during the Infinity War?” They were also supposed to be married, so again, “How?” Although some explanations and trailers came out after that, I forced myself not to check out any of them and wait for the actual series to be shown.

When it did, wow, I was confused! The first episode was in black in white – like a 50s sitcom, complete with taped claps and laughs from the audience. Wanda and Vision did seem to be married, but there were already loopholes from the beginning, considering neither could say how everything happened. I was starting to lose interest, but I decided to benefit from the doubt and clicked the next episode.

Well, the longer I watched WandaVision, the more I realized that: 1) Wanda was such a powerful lady that you would be a fool to cross, and 2) Vision did not seem to have a recollection of his time as an Avenger.

Once to the series came to the part where Wanda was coming out of the energy field that she surrounded the village with and told the agents to stay away; I honestly assumed her worst. I thought she might have gone deranged out of grief and would do anything to make herself happy. However, when Wanda realized her mistakes toward the ending, I saw that she was just a misunderstood person. She was grieving, yes, but it was never her intention to harm other people. In truth, when she figured out what she had done, Wanda tried her best to correct her mistakes despite knowing what she would lose because of that.

On Hindsight

I saw very little tears shed from the characters during the series finale, but I was bawling my eyes out in my bedroom. I did not know what had gotten into me, but I genuinely felt Wanda’s pain. It was clear that she went through depression after her soulmate’s death – and her brother before that. She held on to the family that she created for as long as possible. And when it was all over, and she was walking with her head down across the street, she projected a sense of defeat and hopelessness after experiencing a new kind of loss.

This show made me realize the extent of the depressive symptoms that could manifest in a person.

Reflecting On My Life After The Series Ended

​​It made me want to look into my own experiences with depression. I have suffered from both chronic and acute depression, you see. Chronic depression is an ongoing, long-term state of sadness and despair, while acute depression is a short-term, more intense form of depression.

I remember when I was going through acute depression, I felt like I was in a dark hole and I could not get out. I felt like I had been numbed, and it was hard for me to do anything that required effort. I was constantly sad and pessimistic. Worse, I would catastrophize – meaning, I would think everything was the end of the world. I was in a constant battle with myself, and it was always a losing one.

At the same time, I was also dealing with chronic depression. It was like a debilitating weight was on my shoulders, pushing me to the ground, and I would become overwhelmed by it. I felt like I was always in a state of sadness, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not get rid of it. This made me feel stuck in a cycle of despair and hopelessness, and it was hard to break out of it.

Through WandaVision, though, I was able to relate to Wanda’s journey. Granted, I would never have the powers – or would I ever want – to hold an entire village hostage for my own happy ever after, but I knew what it was like to be in her shoes. Depression consumes anyone it touches, and it consumed her. The series was like a reminder that I was not alone. It showed me that everyone experiences pain and that it is okay to not be okay. It also made me realize that it is okay to take my time to heal and that I need to be patient with myself as I go through this journey. 

What I Changed In My Life

WandaVision ultimately reminded me of the importance of self-care and self-love. It was a reminder that I need to be kind to myself and give myself the time and space to heal. I now understand that depression is a journey and that I need to take it one step at a time. I am grateful for this reminder that I am not alone in my struggles.

Since watching WandaVision, I have made a conscious effort to take care of myself. I have started to meditate and practice mindfulness, and I am learning to be more mindful of my thoughts and my emotions. I have also started to practice self-love and self-care, and I am learning to be patient and kind to myself. I am learning to accept my emotions and surround myself with supportive people who can help me through tough times.

I am thankful for the lessons I have learned from WandaVision to take care of myself. Depression is a journey that I need to take one step at a time – and eventually, I will crush it.

What are the four types of depression?

Many different types and forms of depression can affect other people. Depression that only affects women and depression that only affects people with traumatic experiences and depression can start as early as childhood. The four main types of depression are major – a most severe form of depression; chronic – longest depression; seasonal – a major depression that happens occasionally; and Manic, also known as bipolar depression, where you experience highs and lows same time. Make sure you consult with a doctor to avoid self-diagnosis and so you can get the help that you need.

What is the #1 cause of depression?

 There are no main specific causes of depression that researchers have identified. Different cases with different patients can have different causes. So far, we have a condensed list of reasons for depression, such as death or loss of a loved one, trauma or abuse, family history, and illness. Depression is a unique experience for everyone, which is why we can never really pinpoint a main or number one cause for this issue of mental health on TV.

Is depression a chronic mental illness?

Yes, depression can be a chronic mental illness. However, not all types of depression are chronic. Then again, there is one type of depression that is chronic, and it can last for longer periods compared to other types of depression. Of course, it can be treated, and a person can recover from this; however, the recovery can wear off after a certain period, and a relapse inevitable. If you feel like you’re struggling with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, you may ask for online anxiety help or go to a psychologist near you.

What is the most reliable symptom of depression?

A few symptoms of depression can be considered reliable in diagnosing depression. The most common is the loss of interest in daily activity, loss of energy, weight and appetite changes, low self-esteem, impulsive behavior, trouble focusing, irregular sleeping patterns, and unexplainable pains that do not have a physical source. You must visit a doctor to see if what you are experiencing is what you think it is. 

What happens inside the brain during a depression?

Three brain areas are affected by depression, your prefrontal cortex, your amygdala, and your hippocampus. Your prefrontal cortex is responsible for emotion regulation, decision making, and memories. Your amygdala facilitates emotional responses. The hippocampus is responsible for cortisol production, which can cause many issues once there is too much of it. 

How do I know if I’m bipolar?

The best thing to do is to consult a doctor because going on the internet looking for signs and symptoms might lead to a self-diagnosis that can further harm you. However, the signs you need to look out for are signs of high periods of mania and extremely low periods of depression, or it can also happen when you are extremely happy yet extremely sad. Other symptoms include impulsivity, anger management issues, difficulty in controlling emotions, and more.

Can bipolar people tell they are bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is a common illness that affects 1 in 40 American adults. It is common for adolescents; however, it is only diagnosed once they reach adulthood. It can take years before someone starts showing symptoms of bipolar disorder, so most of the time, people with bipolar disorder do not know that they are bipolar. To them, it seems normal and not much of a change from their daily life. 

What triggers bipolar?

Triggers for bipolar disorder can include the following: Family histories of bipolar disorder, high-stress periods, traumatic events, or even death of loved ones, substance abuse, and more. These times and situations can trigger bipolar disorder in a person, and there will be no timeframe for when this will happen, but it can.

What is the best mood stabilizer for bipolar?

 Since bipolar disorder happens through both mania and depression, there are different stabilizers for bipolar disorder. For mood stabilizers, Lamotrigine is the most effective; however, it is not adequate for mania. Lamotrigine should start at low doses, and it should be increased slowly over four or more weeks. Of course, you should make sure to consult a doctor for this to know what is most effective for you and your moods.

What is the life expectancy of a person with bipolar disorder?

People with bipolar disorder have an average life reduction between nine and 20 years. It will depend on how much you take care of yourself and how much you follow your treatment plan. Keep in touch with your doctor and stay surrounded by people who understand what you are going through and know how to help you through your episodes.

Are you born with bipolar?

Often, bipolar disorder is inherited from our family members. Genetics plays approximately 80% of bipolar cases, and it is the most likely mental illness to be inherited from your parents. There is a 10% chance that a child can inherit bipolar disorder if one of their parents has bipolar disorder. So if you or your partner has bipolar, make sure to have your children checked once you start to see signs or symptoms of the condition in them.

Is bipolar inherited from the mother or father?

Yes, bipolar disorder can be inherited from our parents. There is a 10 percent chance that you can inherit bipolar disorder if one of your parents is bipolar. According to statistics, approximately 80 percent of bipolar cases have been caused by inheritance from a parent or even a sibling. Make sure to have yourself checked if one of your parents is bipolar or experiencing any disorder symptoms.

Does Bipolar improve with age?

With the symptoms and signs starting during early adulthood, bipolar disorder or depression has been a lifelong condition. As time has passed, researchers and scientists have discovered that almost half of the patients aged 18 to 25 can start to outgrow their disorder by the time they reach 30. So make sure that you keep yourself healthy both physically and mentally. 

What is considered a severe mental illness?

Mental illnesses that cause severe impairment in functioning that can significantly interfere with or limit a person’s life are considered severe mental illnesses. As defined, serious mental illness is a cognitive, behavioral, or emotional condition where you start to become unable to function or think as you used to. An example of this is depression, where you no longer can participate in daily life and in the activities you used to find exciting.

What are the signs of bipolar in a man?

There are no specific signs or symptoms for any gender, but what you can expect to see is being easily distracted, high energy levels, high signs of happiness, extreme low points, feelings of self-importance, talking at a fast pace, easily irritated or frustrated, and more. Of course, it is still essential for you to consult a doctor to ensure that you are going through this condition. This will also help with your online therapy for trauma healing treatments and medications.

Final Thoughts

The WandaVision series ended with many cliffhangers, but there were apparently no discussions about a follow-up season yet. I would say that’s good – I would have time to prepare myself for another entertaining yet heartbreaking love story of Wanda and Vision.

We are living in an era where everything in a relationship is ‘almost’ becoming a norm. People tend to create a rationale for the things that they do. They often consider some practices as new learning and even try to validate an act by enumerating reasons why it should be done.  According to Lisa Bahar, LMFT, LPCC, “Get clear on why you want a relationship, what type of relationship you want, and if this relationships meets those needs.”

Continue reading “Community Involvement: The Importance Of Abstinence Before Marriage “

“A picture speaks a million words” an English idiom that pumps my veins, heats up my heart to do what a photographer must do – to capture the beauty in the exact moment and say it out loud “Art!”

Continue reading “I’m No Ordinary Photographer, I’m A Storyteller”

Who’s up for some awesome good super-humans kicking bad guys’ asses (it doesn’t matter if they destroy cities along the way as long as the goons get defeated) this year? Well, I am and about millions more of other people worldwide.

This year’s line-up sure is a perk for superhero movie junkies like me. Here are my eight top picks to watch (arranged in order of their release dates).

Continue reading “8 Superhero Movies To Watch Out For This 2018”

We often hear people say “I’m so depressed” or “I’m so OC,” and these may be just expressions used by them to describe their slightly changed mood anytime during the day. People think this is just a funny statement that they can joke about, but depression is a serious matter. It is not something laughable. Psychologists will agree that a mental health illness is a disruption of a person’s mood, thinking, or behavior, and this usually goes on for more than two weeks. This can occur at any time, anywhere, and in weeks, months, or even years that make it difficult for them to do regular physical activities daily. This illness exhausts them physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The first thing that you must do is to practice calmness, despite knowing that someone you love is going through a difficult time. According to Mindy Newman , MA, MTS, LMHC, “Even when our anger is not being unloaded and stays stewing inside of us, the angry thoughts are still quite destructive.”

Continue reading “When Your Loved One Has A Mental Health Disorder”