What is Movie Therapy?

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Movie Therapy uses movies to engage people in the therapeutic process. Also known as Cinema Therapy, Movie Therapy is flexible and can address various challenges and mental health concerns because a counselor can use so many kinds of movies.

Counselors use Cinema Therapy in individual, group, family, and couples therapy. Depending on a person’s specific concerns, a counselor might choose a movie that demonstrates a particular experience, emotion, situation, or relationship that they think would benefit the client to watch. Then, after they watch the movie, the counselor and client talk about what they saw and learned.

Your therapist might ask you to watch a specific movie that highlights an emotion or experience similar to the one you came to counseling for. Visualizing characters in similar situations and seeing how they deal with emotions can be helpful. It can help you see other perspectives and foster great discussions about feelings within the counseling space.

Movies are also an excellent therapeutic technique to use because so many people have access to watch movies.

Cinema Therapy is particularly effective in couples counseling. If a counselor asks a couple to watch a movie together and then revisit it, answer questions, and communicate about the movie’s messages, this demonstrates the ability to allow couples to grow closer to one another.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Cinema Therapy

I have worked with individuals, couples and groups since 1991, combining intuitive understanding with careful application of the most promising new therapeutic techniques. My commitment to my own growth and transformation has directed me to various spiritual traditions. Since March 2020 I have been available for remote telehealth therapy sessions on your computer, smart phone or landline....

Carmen Smith

Dallas

Texas

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! I believe life is a process which is continually changing. My goal is to help clients get though these challenging times in life by providing effective counseling approaches. By aligning the client’s goals with the proper treatment plan we can work together to overcome some of life’s personal circumstances. Having open and honest communication between client and counsel...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! My treatment approach is to partner with my clients in setting goals for therapy and to collaborate with them to achieve those goals. Together the client and I will explore the challenges that may be holding them back and blocking their progress toward leading a happier, more fulfilled life. In the process of working together we will explore the effects of thoughts,...
I believe you are reading this for a reason, and our paths were meant to cross so that I can walk beside you on this journey of self transformation. Everyone struggles at points in their lives or has trauma they need to heal from. We experience a range of emotions caused from loss, addiction, abuse, or feelings of a general lack of purpose. It is my passion to help others reach a feeling of pea...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! I believe in the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance between my clients and myself. Providing a safe environment, with unconditional support and empathy, is one of my top priorities. Change can feel scary and appears even more daunting when adding the stressors of everyday life. My goal as a therapist is to help people navigate through struggles from both the past...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!!! I believe in a client centered approach focusing on the whole person, physical and emotional. Everyone has strengths, some of which they are not aware of themselves. Clients have come to me from a variety of backgrounds and bring with them a broad wealth of talents, knowledge and skills. As a therapist I believe the strongest tool clients can use to help become a stron...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! I received my Master of Arts degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and my Bachelor of Arts degree from Roosevelt University. I graduated with a major in psychology from Roosevelt and Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School. My experience has included providing individual and group therapy to various age groups. I have had the opportunity to work ...