10 films about psychotherapists and psychiatrists

How does the seventh art portray psychologists, psychoanalysts and psychiatrists?

There are many pieces of cinema that can be categorized as films about psychology, but there are not so many that explore the relationship between therapist and patient. there are not so many films that explore the relationship between therapist or patientThere are not so many films that explore the relationship between therapist and patient, or that show the consequences that a visit to a psychologist or psychiatrist can have on a person.

This is a more specific topic, yes, but no less topical, considering the number of people who rely on mental health professionals to reorient their lives, and the importance that the figure of the therapist or psychiatrist can have for a person. the importance that the figure of the therapist has in our collective imaginary.. That is why a list of films about psychotherapists and psychiatrists makes sense: not only does it offer us some clues about how society sees the figure of the therapist, but it can also transform the idea we have of this role.

Here you can find a selection of these movies. Surely you can think of more, so.... suggestions are welcome!

1. The Strange Passenger

We begin our list of movies about psychotherapy with a classic from the 1940s which is, in turn, the film adaptation of a novel. It is the story of Charlotte Valea woman long subjected to the will of her mother, who, when she comes into contact with a psychologist, sees her hunger to live life to the fullest and with autonomy born in her.. That is why she decides to start a journey that will disrupt her whole world.

2. Another Woman

One of those films in which we can glimpse the influence of psychoanalysis on Woody Allenthe director of this film. It is about a woman who, from the studio she has recently rented for work, is able to listen to the therapy sessions offered on the other side of her wall. As a second and involuntary patient, the protagonist will begin to ask herself, for the first time, questions that concern the existential foundations of her own life..

3. Ordinary People

One of the great works of Robert Redford as a director and one of the best films about psychotherapists, their patients and the harsh reality that many of them have to face. It is a drama that portrays with great a drama that portrays with great sensitivity the chimeras of each character..

4. A dangerous method

The origins of psychoanalysis according to the director David Cronenbergwell known for his memorable remake of remake of The Fly and films in which the industrial blends with the organic. On this occasion, however, Cronenberg abandons the horror genre and the strange relationships between humans and technology to talk about the careers of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud and his methods to help his patients regulate their repressed desires..

5. Antwone Fisher

Film based on true events about a Marine a Marine who is forced to attend therapy because of his violent behavior.. This film marked the debut of Denzel Washington as a film director, and the truth is that it turned out very well: a sober film that deals sensitively with the personal dramas of the young marine.

6. The Untamed Will Hunting

A title that already appeared earlier in the article on motivational films is also one of the best films about psychoanalysis. one of the best films about psychotherapists.. It is true that the relationship established between Will Hunting and the professor is not framed within the formal therapeutic framework of a psychological consultation, but it is no less true that the role of the character played by Robin Williams emulates the role that some psychotherapists play in fostering their patient's spirit of self-improvement.

7. What about Bob?

A comedy in which Bill Murray seems to want to his psychiatrist even during his psychiatrist's vacation.. Of course, the pretensions towards reflection typical of many films about psychotherapists and psychologists give way here to the simple desire to make people laugh and offer funny moments. We won't complain about that.

8. K-PAX

Dr. Powell sees how his own patient questions the foundations of his own reality, as he claims to come from another world.He claims to come from another planet and seems to have an uncanny ability to find evidence in favor of his story. In addition to having a hooky script, this is one of those films about psychotherapists and their relationship with patients with the most commercial appeal.

9. The Limits of Silence

Actor Andy Garcia plays Michael Hunter, a psychiatrist who, having spent several years out of practice, decides to treat an apparently traumatized adolescent boy. However, the fact that Michael sees in the young man the son he lost years ago will jeopardize not only his therapeutic relationship with his patient, but even aspects that touch his own family. A film that makes us reflect on the limits of the framework of relationships between the mental health professional and the people he treats.

10. A dangerous therapy

Finally, to give a touch of humor to the list of films about psychotherapists and patients, we remember that blockbuster film in which Billy Crystal was forced forced to give therapy to a mobster (played, of course, by (played, of course, by the magnificent Robert de Niro).