CinemaTherapy

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES

How do you deal with family members who just don't understand you? How can you build bridges and healthy relationships when you feel like you have nothing in common?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about the absolutely spectacular weirdness of the Mitchell family in The Mitchells vs the Machines. This movie is insightful, funny, and teaches us a lot about family relationships, growing up, accepting each other's uniqueness, and how to defeat the robot...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Villain Therapy: Gollum, Smeagol, and Dissociative Identity Disorder

Can you overcome greed and selfishness? Can compassion help someone who's been through and done things like Gollum has?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about some of the aspects of Gollum's personality and journey that could be seen as mental illness, what aspects are just choices he makes, and what may be caused by circumstances he finds himself in (or supernatural powers like the ring. I mean, the precious.) They talk about the differences between ...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Psychology of a Hero: BLACK WIDOW

Can someone actually get red out of their ledger? Can they repair their wrongs and find healing?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about Natasha Romanoff's (Black Widow's) journey to try to get red out of her ledger, as she moves from assassin to hero to healer. They discuss how we can each right some of the wrongs in our lives and make changes and amends. For Natasha it included becoming an Avenger, dedicating her life to helping people (like freeing ...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to LUCA

Silenzio Bruno!! How can you silence your doubts and fears? How can you be your authentic self?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright explore these topics in Pixar's Luca, and how sharing who we are brings healthier relationships and helps us find joy and growth on the other side of fear and insecurity. They talk about the themes of acceptance with family, friends, and our broader community, especially if that community includes land monsters and fish boys. And...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Ranking the Relationships in LOVE ACTUALLY

Is Love Actually actually about love? Or is it more about infatuation?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright rank the relationships in Love, Actually to show which ones are the healthiest, and which ones seemed doomed for failure (or at least some pretty major problems to work through.)

Love Actually is in love with the idea of love, but there's a difference between love, lust, and infatuation -- it takes a lot more to make a lasting relationship work tha...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

How can you navigate change, stress, or sadness? How can you be a good parent as your kids navigate those emotions?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright look to the absolutely delightful anime My Neighbor Totoro for some of the answers. This film is in many ways a guidebook for warm, affirming parenting as both the mother and father show love toward their children, and listen to their stories and concerns. For all the surreal and fantastical elements in this m...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Is THE MATRIX TRILOGY a Philosophy 210 course?

How can you find purpose and direction for your life? How can the choices you make help you find purpose and meaning?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright dive down the rabbit hole of the Matrix trilogy. They discuss the impacts of nature vs nurture on our lives, how we can learn and progress in whatever circumstances we face or whatever our past looks like. And also how utterly cool some of the action scenes are, Neo as a Christ allegory, and how the Wachowsk...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to BREAKING DAWN

Jonathan and Alan have almost reached the end of the Twilight saga. Can they make it through?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright break down what's wrong with the relationships in Breaking Dawn. There's some pretty toxic messaging about romantic relationships, with manipulation and abuse and lots of other issues, but at least the plot gets a little more fun! Or at least there's more supernatural punching and a creepy CG baby, and some decent filmmaking happen...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to A QUIET PLACE

Grief, trauma, parenting... these are all difficult to navigate under the best of circumstances, and nearly impossible during an apocalyptic monster invasion. Yet somehow John Krasinski and Emily Blunt face it all with strength and love in A Quiet Place.

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about the powerful relationships and stunning filmmaking in A Quiet Place. There's a lot we can learn about dealing with grief, healing after tragedy, parenting, marri...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Psychology of a Hero: Katniss Everdeen

How do you stay true to yourself, to your core values, when facing incredible challenges? How can you move forward and start to find healing after facing trauma?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire, from the Hunger Games. They talk about the trauma she goes through, her integrity and compassion that drive her and give her strength, her relationships, and how absolutely phenomenal Jennifer Lawrence's performance is...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapists React to LOVE, SIMON with guest Dr. Elliott Carthy

What can you do when you don't feel like you fit in? When you don't feel like you can fully be yourself?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright team up with psychiatrist Dr. Elliott Carthy to talk about acceptance -- of others, and of ourselves -- in Love, Simon. They talk about depictions of LGBTQ+ stories and stereotypes in the media. From personal experience, as well as media depictions, they discuss how each person's experience with coming out and/or coming ...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to COCO

Coco shows how forgiveness and acceptance can bring healing, not just to one person, but to generations.

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about intergenerational trauma, grief and loss, and what it takes to heal relationships as seen in Pixar's Coco. They also talk about feeling like you don't fit in, family and tradition, the incredible animation, and yes, they both shed some tears. Of course. It's Pixar. Don't try to tell us you don't cry too when M...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Bipolar Romance in SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK with guest Mason Davis

He's been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and recently released from a psychiatric hospital. She's struggling to process the loss of her husband. Can they help each other heal?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are joined by actor Mason Davis as they talk about this film - from the interesting (and often dysfunctional) relationships, to the outstanding performances, to how realistic the portrayals of mental illness and therapy are. Mason, Alan, and Jonathan...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: 7 Tips from THE ADDAMS FAMILY to Keep Your Marriage Alive

Morticia and Gomez might be obsessed with death, but they keep their romance very much alive!

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright explain how Morticia and Gomez's relationship in the 1990's Barry Sonnenfeld version of The Addams Family illustrates the principles from John Gottman's Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. They talk about the commitment and priority they place on their relationship, the brilliant comedy and acting from Raul Julia and Anjelic...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to IT and Childhood Trauma

How can you overcome childhood trauma? And how can facing a scary clown help you with that?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright discuss the journey of facing fears and confronting and overcoming trauma in the IT movies. They also talk about Jonathan's journey of learning to love horror movies, especially ones that are dark but still have heart and humanity, like this series. The phenomenal performances from the kids (especially Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, a...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT

Why does trauma lead Picard to a place of rage? Why does Zefram Cochrane feel like an imposter in his success?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about Jean-Luc Picard's trauma response and journey of healing from PTSD from his encounter with the Borg and how it can apply to our own healing journeys. They also talk about how to face imposter syndrome, how Star Trek was Alan's first fandom, and how First Contact is really an action-horror film (Jonathan ...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: 007 Dating Advice from a Relationship Therapist

James Bond might seem suave and debonair, but he's got some pretty toxic traits when it comes to relationships.

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about all the reasons you definitely shouldn't model your life or relationships after the way James Bond approaches relationships or treats women. They look at various iterations of Bond over the years - from Connery to Craig - breaking down some of the character's most unhealthy approaches to relationships a...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to BEAUTY & THE BEAST (Animated)

Tale as old as time... girl becomes prisoner of terrifying beast, makes friends with his dishes and furniture, wears fancy ball gowns, falls in love...

But is it Stockholm syndrome? Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about what Stockholm syndrome is (and isn't) and whether Beauty and the Beast is an example of it. They also talk about Gaston's narcissism, Beast's redemption arc, and Belle's compassion. They also talk about the difference between love an...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

Why do Hiccup and Stoick struggle so much to connect with each other?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about the father-son relationship in the How to Train Your Dragon movies. They talk about how Jay Baruchel's Hiccup and Gerard Butler's Stoick are so different from each other, how Hiccup feels like he doesn't fit in or live up to his dad's expectations, and the journey of how they come to understand each other. And of course how absolutely beautiful...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: 7 Keys to Overcoming Prejudice in PHILADELPHIA

How can you overcome your own prejudices and biases? How can you learn to understand and love people with different life experiences than you?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright discuss seven tips to help you overcome prejudice, using examples from the film Philadelphia. They take a look at Denzel Washington's character in this movie, and how he moves from homophobia to building a genuine friendship with Tom Hanks' character, a gay man dying of AIDS.

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to A SILENT VOICE

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright explore the themes of depression, the need for social connections, and more from the anime film A Silent Voice. They talk about the impacts of bullying, healing relationships, and finding forgiveness for ourselves and others.

DIRECTOR'S CUT: TERMINATOR 2 and Difficult Parents

What do you do when you and your parent just don't connect? When they're critical, and you just want comfort?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about the relationship between Sarah Connor (the RIPPED Linda Hamilton) and her son John Connor (the intensely 90's-haired Eddie Furlong) in Terminator 2. They talk about Sarah's PTSD, her harsh treatment of her son in an attempt to keep him safe, and John's need for connection (which leads to a friendship with...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright continue the agony of watching the Twilight saga with Eclipse, and break down Edward and Jacob's terrible manipulation and control toward Bella. To Bella's credit, she actually stands up to them a few times, but they don't seem to learn a lot about actually respecting her free will, boundaries, or consent. It's gross.

They also talk about the importance of consent, taking ownership for our mistakes, and honoring other peopl...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Psychology of a Hero: ANNA

Anna is in many ways the opposite of her sister Elsa - she is open, trusting, warm, and loyal. This turns out to be both and strength and a weakness for Anna.

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright discuss Anna's journey from anxious attachment to healthier relationships. Because of being pushed away by her sister and isolated from other people, she tries, sometimes a little desperately, to form close relationships and keep people close to her. They talk about h...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to Movie Therapist: GOOD WILL HUNTING

How does Robin Williams' portrayal of a therapist measure up to what therapy is like in real life?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright take a look at Good Will Hunting to talk about the portrayals of therapy and therapists in this film. (Hint: he's Jonathan's favorite movie therapist.) They also talk about Matt Damon's character's journey, moving from pushing people away to facing his past trauma and learning to be vulnerable.

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Who's the Meanest? Therapists React to MEAN GIRLS with Guest Dr. Stephanie Sarkis

We all know Regina George is a "mean girl" but she's definitely not the only one being manipulative and mean in Mean Girls.

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are joined by Dr. Stephanie Sarkis to talk about Regina, Cady, Janis, and the toxic patterns of manipulation and narcissism we see in this movie. They also talk about the social structures and what it means to be a "mean girl," how both Regina and Janis try to manipulate Cady, and the awesome performan...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Psychology of a Hero: ELSA

Elsa shuts people out because she doesn't want to hurt the people she loves - especially her sister Anna. But shutting them out is what actually ends up hurting them.

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright take a look at Disney's iconic ice queen Elsa and her transformation as she learns to face her fears, accept herself, and open her heart. In both Frozen movies, Elsa pushes people away to try to protect them, and has to learn that by actually letting people in...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright take a look at what makes Indiana Jones such an iconic character - heroic, adventurous, barely escaping, punching nazis. Was it being created by George Lucas? Directed by Steven Spielberg? Portrayed perfectly by Harrison Ford? Why is this the perfect movie? Is Indiana Jones the perfect character? Back when Jonathan and Alan were kids, Indiana Jones was Marvel!

But his character traits we can learn the most from are his resi...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Psychology of a Hero: TONY STARK

How does this genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist overcome his arrogance, ego, guilt, and PTSD? Tony Stark can think his way out of almost any problem, but what happens when he can't? Or when he can't protect the people he cares about?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright finish out Tony Stark's character arc in part 2 of this deep dive into the psychology of Iron Man. They talk about handling guilt, dealing with trauma, and building and repairing rel...

DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to BRAVE

Do you ever feel like you're in a conversation but just talking right past each other? Merida and her mother frequently complain that the other just. won't. listen. At the start of the movie, their relationship is full of misunderstandings because they want to be understood, but don't try to understand.

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright dissect the mother-daughter relationship in Pixar's Brave - from the issues that plague their relationship at the start, t...