Program Overview
The devastating fires in Los Angeles have left lasting psychosocial and trauma-related impacts on the community. In response, the novel program Raising Los Angeles Up aims to support individuals and families in their healing journey through Cinema Therapy—an innovative, sensory-based approach that uses movies to foster personal growth and resilience. This program will feature the Pixar movie Up, analyzed through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, to help participants process trauma, find meaning, and build psychological well-being. Participants are welcome to come to the classes as they're recorded on Zoom or watch them on their own time via our YouTube channel. There is no charge for this class.
Live online recording: Friday, Jan. 24 at 12 noon (program 1 in a series of 16)
Location: Zoom - click to register
The Hero’s Journey Framework
The Hero’s Journey is a timeless narrative structure that transcends cultures and eras. As
defined by Joseph Campbell, it involves a hero leaving their ordinary world, facing
transformative challenges, and returning empowered to share newfound wisdom. This
framework mirrors the internal journeys of growth and healing that individuals navigate after
experiencing trauma. Research supports the value of applying this structure to personal life
stories, showing that perceiving one’s life as a Hero’s Journey enhances meaning, fosters
psychological well-being, and predicts flourishing.
Program Details
Participants in Raising Los Angeles Up will engage with pre-recorded video modules exploring:
1. The Structure of the Hero’s Journey: Analyzing its stages and their relevance to
personal growth.
2. Carl’s (the hero of Up) Story: Examining trauma and loss as depicted in Up and
drawing parallels to participants’ own experiences.
3. Practical Application: Guided exercises encouraging participants to identify redemption
sequences and reframe their life stories within the Hero’s Journey.
Accessibility and Contribution
This program is offered free of charge to ensure accessibility for all. Participants who find value in the experience and wish to give back may contribute to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Yes, And...eXercise!. Our organization serves the Parkinson’s disease community through clinically-tested storytelling and improvisation programs (www.yesandexercise.org).
Conclusion
Raising Los Angeles Up combines the power of storytelling, film, improvisation, and
evidence-based therapeutic principles to provide a unique and transformative experience. By helping participants view their lives as a Hero’s Journey, we aim to foster resilience, meaning, and psychological well-being in the wake of the fires. We believe this program will be a meaningful step toward healing for the Los Angeles community.
For more information, please contact:
Robert Cochrane, PhD
Founder / CEO Yes, And…eXercise!
Comments