The American psychotherapist Birgit Wolz states that watching films can represent an excellent therapeutic tool, thus underlining the increasingly recognized link between cinema and psychology. Through cinematic stories, people can come into contact with their emotions in a more direct way, thanks to the images and experiences of others; at the same time, the psychologist finds a precious ally in characters who can become reference models. In other words, cinema has the power to facilitate self-understanding and, at the same time, to offer a certain emotional distance from events that might be too engaging.
The first attempts to introduce cinema as a therapeutic tool date back to the 1950s: the first studies on the effectiveness of using films in groups of psychiatric patients date back to those years. In subsequent years, films or parts of them were used:
- as a therapeutic intervention
- to exemplify therapeutic concepts
- to compare a patient’s case with the characters and plot.
Today cinematherapy offers the possibility to the person to see each other again in the stories of the characters in the films. This can lead to finding new problem solving and problem solving strategies copingas well as promoting greater understanding:
- of relationship life
- of one’s inner life.
How to use watching films in therapy?
The choice of film or short film is fundamental. It must be adapted to the person in front of you. Gary Solomon, one of the first psychologists to use films in therapy, underlines the importance of selecting films or short films that are related:
- to the person’s problem;
- to the objectives they intend to pursue together.
In individual therapy, film therapy is often proposed as “homework”: the person is invited to watch a film, write some notes on their reflections and bring them into session to discuss them together with the therapist. In group therapy, however, the film is watched directly during the session and, at the end, a discussion opens between the participants, who can share their impressions and let themselves be guided by the group dynamics stimulated by the film.
Application methodologies of cinematherapy in clinical contexts
Cinematherapy can be integrated into clinical pathways through structured methodologies, which vary based on the context and therapeutic objectives. In an individual context, the therapist can propose watching a specific film as a stimulus for personal reflection, asking the person to write down emotions, thoughts and connections with their own experience.
In group therapy, the shared viewing of a film encourages discussion between participants and stimulates dynamics useful for the elaboration of common experiences. The typical steps of a cinematherapy journey include:
- Film selection: The therapist chooses the film based on the themes relevant to the group or individual, taking into account the sensitivity and needs of the participants.
- Guided vision: During or after the viewing, the therapist can propose breaks to encourage emotional awareness and the immediate sharing of reactions.
- Discussion and reworking: A space for dialogue opens in which participants express what they felt, identifying parallels between the cinematic narrative and their own personal story.
- In-depth activities: Creative activities can be proposed, such as writing a letter to a character or representing a scene, to encourage symbolic processing.
These methodologies allow cinematherapy to be adapted to different settings, making it a flexible and customizable tool.
Therapeutic benefits induced by watching the film
What are the actual advantages of using a good filmography in therapy? Here are some:
- the information contained in a film is accessible to everyone
- the person can improve the social skills and of communication
- skills are developed problem solving observing the choices made by characters in response to problematic situations
- they increase reflective skills on their own relational methods
- skills are developed emotion management reliving them through the stories of the characters
- they increase empathic abilities
- a greater one develops awareness
- increases the capacity of symbolization.
Clinical evidence and data on the effectiveness of cinematherapy
In recent years, several clinical studies have investigated the impact of cinema therapy on various aspects of psychological well-being. For example, research published in the “Journal of Clinical Psychology” (2017) highlighted that the integration of therapeutic films into group sessions was associated with a significant reduction in anxious and depressive symptoms in over 60% of participants, compared to control groups.
According to a study conducted at the University of Turin in 2020, guided film viewing in hospital settings was associated with an improvement in coping skills and perceived quality of life in cancer patients, with a 25% increase in emotional well-being scores.
These data suggest that cinematherapy can represent a possible complement to traditional therapies, contributing to:
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression: Cinematographic narration can help to re-elaborate painful experiences and find new perspectives.
- Improve the quality of life: Identification with characters and stories can foster hope and motivation for change.
- Strengthen coping strategies: Observing how protagonists face difficulties can offer practical ideas for managing their daily challenges.
Effects on a biochemical level
Watching a film generates sensations on an emotional level but what happens inside us on a biochemical level can be even more intense. Several studies have highlighted how watching films can alter the transmission of neurotransmitters and hormones in our body:
- watching romantic films increases the production of progesterone
- watching violent films can increase or decrease testosterone, depending on whether you identify with the role of perpetrator or victim
- Watching a horror movie increases dopamine, endorphins and adrenaline in the brain. This explains why we are drawn to horror stories.
Mirror neurons and the identification process
Twenty years ago the neurobiologist Giacomo Rizzolatti discovered i mirror neurons: groups of small brain cells that help us put ourselves in “other people’s shoes”. In particular, observing the actions and expressions of another person creates a change in us at the brain level due to the activation of these specific neurons.
All this produces an activation similar to that of the person we observe: almost as if we were the ones carrying out the actions carried out by someone else. While watching a film, while maintaining the position of spectator, our mirror neurons are activated and make us feel as if we were experiencing what the protagonists experience.
This is the identification process with the characters, which facilitates understanding of others but above all of ourselves. Furthermore, films activate a process in us symbolization: they help us organize emotions, thoughts and perceptions, giving shape to what we may not have been able to express.
A new communication channel between patient and therapist
Films tell life stories, they can be a source of inspiration for the future, of reflection and reworking of the past, make us imagine ourselves in situations very far from ours or fully capture the moment of life we are going through.
Being able to use all this in therapy represents a precious resource. This is why today, more and more often, cinema therapy is considered an aid, a communication channel between professional and patient, which can strengthen the therapeutic alliance.
Case studies and structured projects: the example of MediCinema
A concrete example of the application of cinema therapy in a clinical setting is represented by the project MediCinema Italyactive in several Italian hospitals. This project involves the creation of real cinemas within healthcare facilities, where patients and family members can participate in screenings led by mental health professionals.
According to data collected by MediCinema Italia in 2022, over 3,000 patients took part in the activities, reporting benefits such as:
- Reduction of pain perception: The positive distraction offered by the film can help reduce the physical suffering perceived during hospitalization.
- Mood improvement: Sharing the cinematic experience can foster positive emotions and a sense of belonging.
- Increased motivation for treatment: Participating in a pleasant and meaningful activity can help strengthen adherence to therapeutic pathways.
These results were also confirmed by an evaluation conducted by the IRCCS San Raffaele of Milan, which found an improvement in psychological well-being in 70% of patients involved in cinematherapy sessions (MediCinema Italia, 2022).
MediCinema’s experience suggests that cinema therapy can be integrated into treatment paths, offering potential benefits on both an emotional and relational level.
Bring the power of cinema to your personal growth
If you too feel the power of the stories and emotions that cinema can convey, know that this experience can become a useful tool for your psychological well-being. With Evidence Network you can undertake a personalized psychotherapy journey, where watching films and other innovative tools can be used to help you better understand yourself, face difficulties and discover new perspectives. Start the questionnaire to find your psychologist online and let yourself be guided by an Evidence Network professional towards a more aware and serene version of you.
