I apply Cinematherapy and Bibliotherapy in my work, meaning I will sometimes recommend a client watch or read something that compliments their therapy. And I’ll be the first to say that I am not a professional art critic. Indeed, I’m an average consumer of the arts just like you, but I do have the privilege of viewing published works as a psychologist. Below are my opinions—intended for psychoeducational purposes—on a few gems I’ve come across that I feel people can benefit from viewing. Spoilers ahead.

The images below are Fair Use under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976.

Movies…

Shame

I think this film is a visceral and accurate depiction of so-called sex addiction. The story illustrates the lifestyle of a man battling harmful sexual compulsions and acts, and Fassbender & Mulligan portray a realistic depiction of the problematic family dynamics that can set these things in motion.

Tangerine

I specialize in therapy specific to the Queer community, including the transgender community that often gets overlooked by their own community-at-large. Hearing their brave stories in comparison to this film, I feel director Sean Baker made a good illustration of a day in the life of a trans sex-worker of color in Los Angeles. The film was visceral and beautifully mundane; it made me belly laugh too.

500 Days of Summer

Gordon-Levitt does a great job of playing the role of somebody broken up with and not doing too well after. I feel those dealing with heartache can identify and maybe begin to accept loss after seeing Tom’s example.

Television…

Love, Victor

I’m happy mainstream audiences finally get a depiction of high school drama while growing up LGBTQ+. Granted some of the issues get resolved in a rather timely, wholesome, and bubblegum manner, I’m glad Gen Z gets some lighter-hearted LGBTQ+ representation!

A link to my worksheet on exploring what it was like to grow up gay is here.

Nurse Jackie

Possibly my champion of the opioid epidemic, but this is the best depiction of high-functioning addiction I’ve seen so far. Falco’s portrayal of Jackie shows a lifestyle of unstable relationships, manipulation, and questionable ethics while keeping a 9–5.

My 3-part worksheet series intended to explore harmful habits and how to begin changing them start here.

Books…

The Missing Piece Meets The Big O

I adore this book. Yes, it’s a children’s book, but I would be out of a job if more people read it and internalized the book’s message.

Euphoria

I think Euphoria is quite intense, and I’m a psychologist. That said, I think the show is a beautifully dark alternative depiction of what growing up a queer can also be like, especially living with major mental health struggles including, but not limited to, Bipolar Disorder, addiction, or Gender Dysphoria. I could only imagine what it’s like to grow up queer in these new 20s with nihilism in the air and the Internet in our pockets. But I also will admit that I get uncomfortable wondering if the show sometimes glorifies pedophilia and sexualizing teens overall. Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing how this narrative unfolds and the unique way Levinson tells the story.

My 3-part worksheet series intended to explore harmful habits and how to begin changing them start here.

#FREEBRITNEY

I will start by saying that I think Britney Spears the brand has been ubiquitous and highly profitable for the past 13 years and before… for everybody except Britney the person. Unfortunately, anybody with an opinion and an online platform (Yes, I see the irony here) can shoot for their Warholian 15-minutes of fame at her expense. The morsels of positivity that I feel came about from the #FREEBRITNEY movement and termination of the conservatorship are a greater awareness of mental health needs in the media, a growing understanding of disability & mental capacity law, knowledge of conservatorship abuse, and last, seeing the power of marketing/social media both good & evil. I’m a mandated reporter, so I was appalled to hear of the abuse and malpractice allegations perpetuated by fellow mental health providers in this ordeal. Britney’s strength and resiliency during this era are beyond meritorious, and I hope the media respects her healing process now-after.

Brittany Runs a Marathon

A great depiction of the challenges of changing poor choices and actions. Also, there’s a realistic depiction of what relapse can look like after some progress. The drug-seeking scene with her MD made me chuckle. Also, love that there’s an LGBTQ+ character that needed no explanation of him being LGBTQ+. Oh, also the wannabe influencer roommate character was piteously funny to me.

Links to my Pre-workout & Post-workout guided visualization videos are also here.