Last Updated on October 2, 2021 by Sean Donlevy
It is clear that films produce all kinds of emotions. They can make you laugh, cry, suffer, and even find the strength you need to face your problems. So why not channel all of this into a form of therapy?
Developers of psychotherapy have been able to collaborate with all types of coaches and film experts to develop a therapy based on TV series and films by applying their benefits to coaching and psychology. This is logically called film therapy.
But the benefits of film therapy do not end with just watching a movie. Many different tools have been implemented, such as quotes, comments, posters, visual analysis, etc.
Film as a psychological tool
This therapy uses film as a psychological tool for various purposes. It is considered a very useful supplement to therapy, due to various factors:
Intensity: Stories, characters, and scenarios are compressed in a short time.
Duration: The length of the film corresponds to a long therapy session.
Learning: Movies are allegorical as stories and fables. You can take advantage of the cognitive effects of watching movies to formulate theories of learning, creativity, etc. and to promote the idea of multiple intelligences.
Identification: Many of us have known that we have been able to identify with film characters. This information can be further discussed in therapy.
Attention: The visual impact of the film promotes concentration on the images.
Social features: By watching and talking about the movie with other people, you multiply its value and it becomes an important tool in therapy.
The makers of film therapy say that these techniques offer many benefits to the people who go through this unique therapy. Here are some of the benefits:
Watching a movie makes you relax and have fun.
Film therapy uses scenes or whole films to help people face their fears. They help them become aware of their fears so that they can work to overcome them.
The therapy lets you focus on your problems. The content of many films can make you aware of your own problems through identification and empathy.
The film also has a catharsis function. When watching movies, you can experience passion without side effects.
It will help you relax. By watching movies, you direct your attention to an activity that can reduce anxiety.
It improves motivation. When you watch a movie, you can find characters that help you find energy in real life.
Entertainment. The film also creates laughter and happiness. And there is no doubt that this has a major impact on both your mental and physical health.
Sad movies can also evoke hidden feelings within you.
You think about negative thoughts. Through the films, you can gain new perspectives that will help you reflect and change your attitude.
Development of creativity. The different perspectives you see in movies can change your mental schedules and make you more creative, flexible, and innovative.
Improves personal relationships. Watching and commenting on a movie with friends or family has great social and emotional value.
It is a reflective art. Movies make us reflect on existential, spiritual, and even royal issues.
It helps us deal with loss. If you have a broken heart, movies can relieve the pain during this period.
Movies inspire you to become a better person.
The film improves your strengths. The characteristics of the different characters can inspire you to improve your strengths.
You can be sure that film is much more than a simple art. Film therapy has elevated films into the category of useful psychological tools. There is no doubt that they can make us happier and more complete if we let them.