Cinema that heals. Film narratives and self-transformation

Journal title RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA
Author/s Matteo Balestrieri
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/1
Language Italian Pages 29 P. 189-217 File size 880 KB
DOI 10.3280/RSF2026-001010
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Cinema can be used in the treatment of individuals with various pathologies, particularly in cases of mental health conditions. Its use for this purpose is an application of narrative psychiatry, which in turn has similarities with narrative medicine. However, there are important differences in this analogy, particularly because narrative psychiatry takes the role of storytelling to the extreme, making it a central and fundamental tool in the relationship with the patient. Through the use of cinema, narrative psychiatry not only gathers the patient’s point of view, but also offers them the opportunity to rework their own story through the symbolic and emotional mediation of on screen representations. A systematic analysis of the literature has identified a several studies that begin to demonstrate the usefulness of cinema therapy, although further work is needed to clarify the indications for, and methods of applying, this approach.. There are many mental processes that are activated through the numerous films that can be used for this purpose. Patients’ reflections can be emotional, identificatory, interpretative, and self narrative, as well as imaginative in relation both to the film’s diegesis and to their own personal history. The role of the therapist is fundamental, as they must be able to activate these processes and are therefore responsible for presenting the film appropriately and leading an effective post viewing discussion. In the triad comprising therapist and patient, cinema functions as an active transitional object. The stories on the screen mediate the patient’s emotions, which can be experienced safely because they are lived vicariously. Identification with, and confronting, these emotions can foster change and contribute to the healing process.

Keywords: Narrative Medicine, Narrative Psychiatry, Cinema, Storytelling, Cinema Therapy, Diegesis, Transitional Object, Emotions, Identifications, Interpretations, Empathy, Mentalisation.

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Matteo Balestrieri, Il cinema che cura. Narrazioni filmiche e trasformazione del sé in "RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA" 1/2026, pp 189-217, DOI: 10.3280/RSF2026-001010