The Power of Film Therapy: Unlocking Emotions Through Storytelling

Films never fail to evoke intense feelings and offer fresh perspectives on the journey of life, relationships, and personal growth. As an only child, movies have been a constant source of escape, connection, and community—a way to connect with myself, family, and friends. Over the past few years, I’ve deepened this love for independent films, or what Netflix might call “hidden gems”. These films have become a staple in my viewing experience because of how exceptional they are at capturing the raw and sometimes painful experience of being human. They explore the themes of suffering, loss, resilience, and connection in ways that feel deeply personal and universally relatable.

The emotional responses these films evoke can be profound. Whether I’m wiping away tears or feeling my heart race from suspense, it’s as if I’m living vicariously through the characters. Sometimes, the stories mirror my own experiences, inviting reflection on past choices and the lessons I’ve learned. Other times, they challenge me in courage to consider how I might navigate a similar situation in the future.

Film has a remarkable ability to tap into our emotions and illuminate our inner and outer worlds. About a year ago, I stumbled upon an article from The Conversation that stated, “Crying in response to a movie reveals high empathy, social awareness, and connection – all aspects of emotional intelligence. As such, it is an indicator of personal strength rather than weakness.” This insight resonated with me. Reflecting on the countless times I’ve cried during films, I realized how these emotional experiences have expanded my empathy and self-awareness.

In many ways, films have subconsciously contributed to my emotional intelligence. They have inspired me to make bolder choices, extend grace to myself, and confront and conquer challenges head-on. By stepping into the shoes of a character, I’ve learned to access deeper levels of compassion and understanding for both myself and others.

The Therapeutic Power of Film

Film therapy harnesses this transformative power, offering tools for self-discovery and emotional growth. Through guided reflection and discussion, illuminate and unleash parts of ourselves we’ve never otherwise actualized in addition to, guiding us in changing the narratives we tell ourselves that can sometimes leave us disempowered and stuck. It can support processing emotions, regulating them, and gaining valuable insights about our experiences. Above all, it cultivates empathy—a skill that nurtures and transforms our relationships.

Exhibiting Forgiveness

My journey through film has led me to explore countless provocative, introspective, and emotionally powerful stories. One film that recently left a lasting impact on me is Exhibiting Forgiveness, written and directed by Titus Kaphar. The movie delves into themes of generational trauma, domestic violence, father-son relationships, and forgiveness. Loosely based on Kaphar’s own life, it follows the character Tarrell, portrayed by André Holland, as he navigates the lasting wounds of his childhood while building a successful career as an artist.

Despite using art as a vessel and coping mechanism, Tarrell’s unresolved trauma continues to manifest in his personal and professional life. His experiences illustrate how unaddressed emotional pain can ripple through relationships, stifle joy, and hinder self-actualization. Psychiatrist Carl Jung famously said, “What you resist persists,” a truth that Tarrell’s story exemplifies. His resistance to confronting his pain amplifies its hold over his life.

Recognizing Trauma Symptoms

In Exhibiting Forgiveness, Tarrell displays symptoms commonly associated with trauma, including:

• Sleep disturbances and nightmares: He experiences disrupted sleep, including aggressive outbursts in his sleep, which strain his marriage.
• Distressing memories and flashbacks: As he visits his family home he experiences distressing memories and flashbacks.
• Irritability and anger: His unresolved anger emerges in interactions with his mother, father, and even a fan at one of his art exhibitions.
• Avoidance: He avoids his childhood home and distances himself from his father, unwilling to confront the painful memories.

These symptoms underscore the profound impact of trauma on Tarrell’s emotional well-being and relationships. They also emphasize the importance of acknowledging and processing emotional pain. Coping mechanisms like artistic expression can provide temporary relief, but true healing often requires deeper emotional work.

Therapeutic Strategies for Healing

Some evidence-based therapeutic approaches that could support Tarrell and others with similar experiences include:

1. Sleep Disturbances and Nightmares
   • Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Nightmare Rescripting can reduce tension and reshape recurring dreams.
   • Establishing a calming bedtime routine with sleep hygiene practices can improve rest.
2. Intrusive Memories
   • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can support in processing distressing memories.
   • Expressive Art Therapy provides a non-verbal outlet for expressing and transforming pain.
3. Anger and Aggression
   • CBT can help to identify and reframe the thoughts triggering his anger.
   • Somatic techniques like yoga and deep breathing promote emotional regulation.
4. Avoidance of Help
   • Building rapport with a therapist can create a safe space for vulnerability.
   • Motivational Interviewing fosters readiness for change.
5. Artistic Expression of Trauma
   • Narrative Therapy to empower rewriting trauma narrative.
   • Collaborative art projects foster connection and emotional release.

By incorporating these therapeutic approaches, Tarrell’s healing journey could be enriched — encouraging him to reclaim his emotional and creative power in the process.

Reflecting Through Film

Film can serve as a powerful catalyst for reflection, offering opportunities to explore our emotions and perspectives. Have you ever watched a film that left a significant emotional impact? What did it reveal about your own experiences, values, or emotional landscape?

If you’d like to dive deeper into your reflections, I’ve created a Film Psychoanalysis Guide designed to help you explore the emotions and themes that resonate with you. This guide offers thoughtful prompts to support your personal growth and healing journey.

Download the guide here and share in the comments below: What films have moved you emotionally, and what did they reveal about your own experience?

Let’s empower stories that have moved us and expanded our understanding of ourselves and others.

References

Zak P. J. (2015). Why inspiring stories make us react: the neuroscience of narrative. Cerebrum: the Dana forum on brain science, 2015, 2.

Kensinger, E. A. (2022). If you cry while watching movies, it is probably a sign of your emotional strength. The Conversation.