Movies about counselling - Mental Health Related Films

Human lives and behaviour are far more nuanced and emotive than any textbook, psychiatric diagnostic system or symptom checklist can ever portray.

While movies are not perfect depictions of reality, they often present themes in relatable, enriching, usefully challenging, and thought-provoking ways.

We invite you to explore mental health through movies that raise awareness, open dialogue, present complexity, entertain, and/or normalise experiences.

Click to see the Ultimate List of Mental Health Movies index

What is Therapy (and Counselling)?

Unlike the supportive conversations you have with loved ones, therapy discussions are structured by trained therapists according to principles scientifically demonstrated to be helpful. There is so much more to this than "just talking about your problems" or seeking practical solutions and reassurance. Of course, therapy can include these aspects, but well-trained therapists aim for much more. They work to achieve lasting growth by helping you find ways of seeing, thinking and feeling that leave you more capable and prosperous.

There are many forms of psychotherapy and they differ in a variety of ways, but they also share a great deal in common. All therapists aim to provide a safe, confidential, non-judgmental, consistent, reliable and accepting encounter with a helpful human being. Therapy is designed so that you and your internal life take centre stage.

Movies about Therapy and Counselling

If we missed an essential film about counselling, please let us know. We would love to include it.

Note: Movies may trigger painful memories and emotions. Please use your judgement and ensure support is available if need be.

Movie Title: Nine Perfect Strangers (TV Series)

Release: 2021-2022

Rated: 7.0

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon

Storyline: A group of individuals seeking healing and transformation embark on a transformative retreat at a secluded resort led by a charismatic counselor, only to discover that the unconventional methods employed push them to confront their deepest traumas and hidden secrets.

Movie Title: The Red Room (TV Series)

Release: 2020-2022

Rated: 7.4

Cast: Binnur Kaya, Gulcin Kultur Sahin, Baran Can Eraslan

Storyline: A troubled woman seeks solace through a mysterious counseling session that takes her on a terrifying journey into the darkest corners of her own psyche.

Movie Title: En thérapie (TV Series)

Release: 2021

Rated: 8.2

Cast: Frédéric Pierrot, Elsa Lepoivre, Clémence Poésy

Storyline: A group of diverse patients embark on an intense journey of self-discovery and healing through their counseling sessions with a dedicated therapist.

Movie Title: Everything Calls for Salvation (TV Series)

Release: 2022

Rated: 7.4

Cast: Federico Cesari, Tessa Stokes, Ricky Memphis

Storyline: A man's one-week involuntary stay at a psychiatric hospital leads him on a profound journey of self-discovery and healing through counseling sessions with dedicated therapists who help him confront his inner demons and find hope for salvation.

Movie Title: 28 Days - Watch now on Prime

Released: 2000

Rated: 6

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Viggo Mortensen

Storyline: A newspaper columnist struggles with substance abuse , specifically alcohol. For her to make any progress, she needs to acknowledge her addiction problem and accept counselling during her stay in rehab.

Movie Title: Clean and Sober - Watch now on Prime

Released: 1988

Rated: 6.7

Cast: Michael Keaton, Kathy Baker

Storyline: A real estate salesman struggles with substance abuse . He wakes up to find a dead woman in his bed from a cocaine overdose. As he tries to hide from the police, he enters a drug rehab centre and accepts counselling from a former drug addict.

Movie Title: Hope Springs - Watch now on Prime

Released: 2012

Rated: 6.3

Cast: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones

Storyline: A middle-aged couple tries to rekindle their intimacy by attending a marriage counselling session in the town of Great Hope Springs.

Movie Title: In Treatment - Watch now on Prime

Released: 2008-2010

Rated: 8.3

Cast: Gabriel Byrne, Dianne Wiest, Michelle Forbes

Storyline: An American TV series about a psychotherapist and his sessions with patients. He starts to question his abilities and seeks professional input from his clinical supervisor. The series is one of the more accurate film portrayals of psychodynamic psychotherapy in action.

References and Links

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

What is therapy?: https://www.therapyroute.com/what-is-therapy

Counselling Psychology according to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counseling_psychology

Psychotherapy according to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychotherapy

What is psychotherapy?: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156433

Acknowledgements

The above article was written under my close direction and supervision. However, much credit goes to Charlene Poliquit (my right-hand man) and Andri Eigenberger (my beloved aunt) for their huge efforts in bringing this task to life.

Vincenzo Sinisi