What is catharsis? How does that relate to creative expression? Catharsis may be defined as “the first full realization and expression of emotions surrounding significant occurrences in one’s past; emotional release.” (Psych Central entry by Renée Grinnell.) On his blog Screenwriting from Iowa, Scott W. Smith includes this interesting quote on the topic: “Robert McKee, [...]
By Cheryl Arutt, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles, specializing in creative artist issues, trauma recovery, and fertility. I am continually amazed at the work of the unconscious in the minds of creative artists. The capacity to hold many details in the conscious, wakeful mind may seem limited; the unconscious is capable of holding [...]
Over the years since it was developed by Freud, psychoanalysis has been fodder for many jokes and dismissive ideas about the value of therapy and even psychology in general. But many writers and other artists choose the experience of analysis and other forms of therapy as a way to both become healthier and to better [...]
The movie Black Swan portrays some aspects of how the darker aspects of the shadow self can impact our mental health and creative expression. The photo shows ballerina Nina [Natalie Portman] and her mother [Barbara Hershey]. In his Psych Central article “Black Swan” and the Recovery of the Shadow Self, Joseph Burgo PhD points out [...]
In another outstanding post, cognitive psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman includes a wide range of material on creativity and mental health. Here is an excerpt: In the movie Black Swan, the ballerina Nina Sayers (played by Natalie Portman) is asked by the director to “lose herself” in the role of the black swan in the ballet [...]
Is creativity a universal trait? Is creativity possible for any of us? Yes, it is a pretty dumb question, but it can be all too easy to take on some form of belief that only kids or “artists” or “professionals” can use their minds in truly creative ways. In one of his sermons, Reverend David [...]
A new look at the Wizard of Oz John Beebe, MD is a Jungian analyst, and co-author, with Virginia Apperson, of the new book, The Presence of the Feminine in Film. In a Shrink Rap Radio podcast interview, he talks about how movies bring to life female characters and the feminine aspect of our psyches, [...]
The latest form of bibliotherapy Being mindfully aware of our reactions to movies can be a potent way to explore our inner life, and enhance our mental health and personal development. A Psychology Today article, Reel Therapy by John W. Hesley, notes, “Although people might be surprised when a therapist recommends a movie, using fiction [...]
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Site author: Douglas Eby, M.A./Psychology, is a writer and researcher on the psychology of creative expression and personal growth, especially for high ability adults. He is publisher of the Talent Development Resources series of sites.
