The use of media to explore topics, thoughts, views, feelings, and life experiences is used often inside and outside of the therapy space.
Being able to see yourself in a character's experience, or a scene-actual or perceived-can be a powerful tool.
It is often helpful to be grounded and in a space that supports possible emotionally activating experiences when using movies or other media as a therapeutic tool.
The great thing about streaming movies and media is that you can stop or pause, take care of yourself-take a break, talk to a friend, grabbed some water or food, take deep breaths- and get back to it when YOU decide and feel ready.
This is my recommendation to and for you if /whenever you use media as a therapeutic resource.
To begin:
Get an understanding of the theme or plot of the movie... previews can be useful, but also read any descriptions and log lines. The plot is what happens in a film, i.e., the narrative sequence of events that determine the outcome of the characters. Thus, movie plots are events that happen in sequence to show a cause and effect.
Decide why you are choosing this movie or media as a therapeutic tool or activating impact to process your own experiences.
Journal before, during, and after. Before: Is there a correlation for you in the plot of this movie or media? During: What comes up for me as I watch this? After: What did I gain or what can I process after watching this movie or media?
Alway ground yourself as needed throughout and after. SUGGESTION: Watch with someone you feel comfortable with (together or separately.
Always follow up with your therapist or health provider as an additional support and space to process.
MOVIES/SHOWS LIST
-Words on Bathroom Walls
-Inside Out
-Everything Now
-My Mind and Me
-We Need to Talk About Kevin
-Black Swan
-Eighth Grade
-First Blood
-Harlem, the series
-Swarm, the series
-Girl, Interrupted