Do you ever wonder why it's so easy to react while seeing movies and so hard to react in real life? Movies touch even the seemingly hardest of hearts because they are larger-than-life and are subtle energy sources that can influence one’s psyche.
Psychologist, Dr. Gary Solomon would suggest watching movies for their therapeutic value. Dr. Solomon, was the first to coin the term ‘Cinematherapy'. He was the first to write on the topic of using movies as therapy. Yet another practitioner of ‘Cinematherapy’ is Dr. Brigit Wolz. Answering the question, as to ‘Why Cinema Therapy work?’, she answers, “Watching a movie with conscious awareness can be similar to experiencing a guided visualization. The therapeutic effect and the theoretical basis for both approaches are therefore closely related.” She further adds, “Films contain metaphors that can be utilized in therapy similar to stories, myths, jokes, fables, or even dreams. Cognitive insights (that eventually sharpens one’s intelligence) through the movie-watching experience tell clients what to do, while affective (emotional) insights give them the motivation to follow through.Viewing films in which a character demonstrates courage in the face of a challenge can support behavior modification treatment.”
A well made meaningful cinema has the potential to stimulate the human intelligence. It is with the tool of intelligence that humans can bring about a positive change within and in one’s surrounding. Dr Wolz asserts, ”Watching movies can engage seven types of intelligence in humans: the logical (plot), the linguistic (dialogue), the visual-spatial (pictures, colors, symbols), the musical (sounds and music), the interpersonal (storytelling), the kinesthetic (moving), and the intrapsychic (inner guidance). The more we access these intelligences, the faster we learn because they employ different methods of information processing. In addition, films galvanize
feelings, which increase the probability that clients will carry out new and desired behaviors. Identifying with a character can help clients to develop ego strength as they recall forgotten inner resources and become aware of the right opportunity for those resources
to be applied.Understanding reactions to characters who are “different” and unlikable can guide the client to discover in the “shadow” of their own psyche and story their true self and their potential.Watching movies at home or in theatre, in this context, serves as a bridge between therapy and life.”
Check this video link for a brief introduction to Cinema Therapy:
Psychologist, Dr. Gary Solomon would suggest watching movies for their therapeutic value. Dr. Solomon, was the first to coin the term ‘Cinematherapy'. He was the first to write on the topic of using movies as therapy. Yet another practitioner of ‘Cinematherapy’ is Dr. Brigit Wolz. Answering the question, as to ‘Why Cinema Therapy work?’, she answers, “Watching a movie with conscious awareness can be similar to experiencing a guided visualization. The therapeutic effect and the theoretical basis for both approaches are therefore closely related.” She further adds, “Films contain metaphors that can be utilized in therapy similar to stories, myths, jokes, fables, or even dreams. Cognitive insights (that eventually sharpens one’s intelligence) through the movie-watching experience tell clients what to do, while affective (emotional) insights give them the motivation to follow through.Viewing films in which a character demonstrates courage in the face of a challenge can support behavior modification treatment.”
A well made meaningful cinema has the potential to stimulate the human intelligence. It is with the tool of intelligence that humans can bring about a positive change within and in one’s surrounding. Dr Wolz asserts, ”Watching movies can engage seven types of intelligence in humans: the logical (plot), the linguistic (dialogue), the visual-spatial (pictures, colors, symbols), the musical (sounds and music), the interpersonal (storytelling), the kinesthetic (moving), and the intrapsychic (inner guidance). The more we access these intelligences, the faster we learn because they employ different methods of information processing. In addition, films galvanize
feelings, which increase the probability that clients will carry out new and desired behaviors. Identifying with a character can help clients to develop ego strength as they recall forgotten inner resources and become aware of the right opportunity for those resources
to be applied.Understanding reactions to characters who are “different” and unlikable can guide the client to discover in the “shadow” of their own psyche and story their true self and their potential.Watching movies at home or in theatre, in this context, serves as a bridge between therapy and life.”
Check this video link for a brief introduction to Cinema Therapy:
