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.