a 501(c)3 non-profit org.
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 features 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 website and YouTube channel. There is no charge for this class. Please leave comments, questions and, if you're up to it, your writing samples below.
Research links on the value of the Hero's Journey:
Seeing your life story as a Hero's Journey increases meaning in life
Want to give your life more meaning? Think of it as a hero's journey.
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Slide One: course overview
02:50 I Love L.A. (Randy Newman) - Dance and Theme
06:50 discussion: I Love L.A. 12:15 Slide Two: About this program
15:55 Improvisation games
26:40 Slide Three: The Hero's Journey
30:45 Slide Four: Storytelling & Trauma
32:45 Slide Five: Joseph Campbell quote
34:20 Slide Six: Up - clip #1
37:15 Discussion clip #1
42:00 Slide Seven: Up - clip #2
47:00 Discussion clip #2
55:15 Slide Eight: Carl's Mirrors and Ordinary World
1:02:20 Slide Nine: Your Call to Adventure
1:03:35 Slide Ten: Writing Prompt
1:05:10 Slide Eleven: Brene' Brown on storytelling
1:06:50 Final slide and discussion
Grief. Trauma. Feeling displaced and out of sorts. Using this process helps people find themselves because within this group we are not alone. Similar to how 911 rocked more than New York City. The LA wildfires have caused emotional ripples that touch every man, woman and child who have memories of LA along with those directly affected.
When you trust the process the Hero's Journey guides you to a new understanding of how to cope with raw emotions. I will travel with any who wish to stick with this program. Adapting the classes to what everyone needs is part of what we do so please. Leave a comment and let us know what you would like to do.