How “Inside Out 1 & 2” Are Supporting Pediatric Mental Health Therapists & Educators

A Peek Inside the Developing Adolescent Mind.

I can’t rave enough about the “Inside Out” franchise. And it did not disappoint – I’m still in awe at the movies’ ability to effectively provide my young autistic clients with an emotional vocabulary. Being able to communicate needs and feelings is incredibly crucial to social development. 

As mental health professionals, we’re no strangers to the power of emotional influence over our well-being. Disney/Pixar’s films “Inside Out” and its sequel, “Inside Out 2,” offer a captivating glimpse into the development and processing of adolescent minds – where emotions collide, evolve, and shape our clients’ experiences.

In this article, we explore how these movies support pediatric mental healthcare therapists, educators, and resonate with the public.

The Evolution of Riley’s Mind

First, a brief recap. In the original film, we stepped into Riley’s mind, a colorful world where every feeling had a place and purpose. Now, “Inside Out 2″ takes us a bit deeper, into the teenage mindscape – a place of complexity, chaos, and growth as she navigates puberty. 

Reconnecting with Emotions:

• “Inside Out 2″ reintroduces us to Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust.
• But wait, now there are new additions to Riley’s teenage team of feels! – Meet Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui. Of course, leading this ensemble is the overtly prepared, Anxiety.
• As therapists, we witness this emotional expansion firsthand, helping our clients navigate through their maze of feelings. The “Inside Out” movies serve as a powerful addition to our therapeutic toolkit.

Anxiety and Emotional Baggage:

• Anxiety takes center stage in the sequel, carrying significant emotional baggage.
• This highlights the notion that adolescents carry with them past experiences, fears, and uncertainties as they maneuver through new social situations. Our role is to help them unpack, understand, and navigate these emotions.

Therapeutic Insights from “Inside Out 2″

1. Embracing Complexity:

• The film capitalizes on internal family systems; familial roles and dynamics.
• Riley’s journey teaches us that embracing our full selves fosters growth.
• We encourage our clients to accept their multifaceted identities, mistakes and all.
• Adolescents often grapple with conflicting emotions – joy alongside sadness, anger mingling with fear. It’s important for us to be able to normalize and validate these complexities and emphasize that emotional richness is an integral part of the human experience.

2. Navigating Adolescence:

• Our teenagers wade through complex emotional periods with the onset of puberty. 
• Pediatric mental health clinicians have a responsibility to address the evolution of emotions during this time, and validate the inevitable challenges encountered along the path to cultivating their “sense of self”. 

Reflective questions inspired by “Inside Out 2″:

• How do you handle embarrassment or envy?
• What emotional baggage do you carry & how does it make you feel?
• How can you prioritize authentic friendships/connections?

By exploring these questions, we empower our clients to develop emotional intelligence, confidence, and resilience.

Public Impact & Conversations

“Inside Out 2” has now grossed over 1.36 billion worldwide at the box office, making it the second-biggest animated film of all time. 

This financial triumph underscores its universal appeal. As therapists, we recognize that cultural touchstones like this film franchise provide common ground for important discussions with our clients.

Critical Acclaim:

• Mental health professionals, educators, and parents highly praised the film
• Its accurate portrayal of emotions sparked vital conversations about growing up.
• We can leverage these conversations in therapy sessions, using the film as a springboard to explore feelings and coping strategies.

Supporting Families & Educators

Family Talks:

Families with young children can deeply benefit from a better understanding of one another’s emotions, and how they play into the family dynamic. 

• Don’t be afraid to use these movies as a catalyst for conversations about emotions, friendships, and identity at home. 
• Engage in reflective questions that can deepen family bonds and understanding.
• Parents can also openly discuss their emotions, modeling vulnerability and empathy for their children.

Educators’ Toolkit:

Some educators have already enhanced their teachings with these films by utilizing them within the classroom.

• Teachers can incorporate “Inside Out 1 & 2” to teach emotional intelligence.
• Discussing the film in class helps students navigate and normalize their feelings, building resilience and authentic connections with peers. 

Personal Self-Exploration:

Truthfully, we could all stand to benefit from a dose of introspection; reflecting on the intricacies and responses to our emotions. That’s what makes these movies so successful & massively appealing. 

Which character resonates with you today & why?

Takeaways

“Inside Out 1 & 2” remind us that emotions are our companions on life’s rollercoaster. As therapists, educators, parents, and individuals, let’s continue valuing the range of emotions, and supporting our youth as they find their way. 

Remember, it’s okay to feel Anxiety – just as long as we also embrace Joy.

 – Take Care 💙

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your professional mental health team.

References:

Inside Out 2 Reflective Questions: Tools for Navigating Emotions and Identity – Burd Psychotherapy

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-07-17/inside-out-2-box-office-records