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Ever left the cinema hall with memorable scenes from the film you just saw? Have you identified with the protagonist’s struggle, happiness or anger? Taare Zameen Par, a landmark Indian film, portrayed the tale of a young boy who is a slow learner and who despite being different from other kids, was not mentally challenged as his teachers would call him.
Step Mom showed how a step mother made efforts and was successful in handling her husband’s kids; how the two mothers shared a wonderful relationship! Such and many other films have showed an invaluable insight into different real-life concepts.
If you take a close look into the world of cinema, you would see how much films sometimes influence us to a great extent. An interesting thing to note is that many psychologists use cinema as a part of their therapy to cure their patients. Seems farfetched, right? Nah, it’s a fact.
Cinema? therapy??
What we call as cinema therapy is, in fact, a tool of healing and growth wherein movies could solve our psychological or daily life problems. It heals through learning and modelling. A movie often touches the deep parts of our brain and bring about an awareness along with it.
Dr Salma Prabhu, clinical psychologist and counsellor, says, “Cinema therapy aims to solve mental as well as issues related to marriage, adolescent, career illnesses/addiction or even social issues. Filmmakers today make films keeping in mind what would appeal to the audience and hence are closer to real life.”
Of whose use?
This therapy can be effectively used as a tool for those hard to reach like the aged, people suffering from HIV/AIDS or any other terminal illnesses, trans-gender, eating disorders, substance abuse and related mental problems. Most, with or without issues, when they view a movie try, to identify themselves as the character which is applicable to them. They see the character’s problems and the way s/he overcomes everything. When the movie ends on a positive note, it gives him/her a sense of encouragement to face life!
The work proces
Dr Salma a mentions, “This therapy is recommended by the psychologists to the client keeping in mind the issues and accordingly a pre-selected list of movies. Sometimes, a particular movie is also recommended. This, of course, is not done in the first session, but only after the rapport between the client and counsellor is established.”
After the client watches the movie, the counsellor discusses with him/her in length and asks whether the movie was useful. Has the client been able to relate to the character who faced similar issues? What did he think of his struggle? The idea is that a person could overcome and somewhere come to terms to his problems when he sees a bigger projection of himself.
Dr Salma adds, “Movies like Chak De India and Iqbal have been successful in bringing about a fight back spirit, which definitely inspires even people who are physically challenged to move ahead in life.”
A stand-alone therapy?
Generally, the therapy is used in conjunction with other therapies like Dr Albert Ellis’s Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy. Those suffering from panic attacks use cinema therapy along with relaxation techniques. Therefore, Cinema therapy is one of the tool with other therapies and excellent counselling skills.
Does it work?
The answer would be a resounding ‘yes’. Cinema therapy can make a person go deep into his conscience and become more aware of himself which leads him to new perspectives. Dr Salma points out, “It has been a powerful tool for psychologists wherein they heal the clients through various therapies and not resorting to medicines.
This itself is a sigh of relief for the client!” Secondly, the clients find it less threatening as they do not have to go into talking mode much. The psychologists/counsellors, on the other hand, have to keep a movies list ready which have been thoroughly screened and understood by them, with the effects and implications discussed.
Cinema therapy would not necessarily be the only therapy used and give the desired results always. But the counsellor needs to use the therapy properly and be skilful.” The individual, after watching the movie, starts understanding oneself better and views the world more objectively and less judgementally than before.
Is it for normal people?
Again, the reply would be positive. Cinema therapy could be a tool to unwind. With the erratic and demanding lifestyle, the therapy works as a ‘feel good factor’. People laugh and forget their existing issues for a while. A family bonds big time when they watch a movie together, so can people in a theatre, who experience the same string of emotions together. Many child-centric films give the kids a platform for role modelling.
Feeling disheartened after a break-up? A rough patch in marriage? Studies and pressure taking a toll? Mentally disturbed? Or simply fed up of the monotonous office routine? Wipe out the worry lines with a good, enjoyable movie.
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