Cinema and the valuing of psychotherapy: Implications for clinical practice

Cinema is riddled with negative portrayals of psychotherapy. In a media-saturated culture, public attitudes regarding the prevalence of mental illness, the symptomatology that defines abnormality, and the professionals who address such disorders are profoundly influenced by the images and messages in cinema and mass media. It is imperative for psychologists to maintain an awareness of the cinematic portrayals of psychotherapists, psychotherapy, and mental illness in order to better understand clients' expectations for therapy. By increasing awareness of the role of the media in shaping the image of professional psychology, clinicians can hope to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health care through engaging in discussions of these media stereotypes and advocating for more realistic portrayals of psychotherapy.