“Wicked” Therapy: Exploring Inner Dynamics with Free Worksheets Inspired by the Film
Wicked’s Emotional Tornado: A Cinematic Phenomenon
The release of the film Wicked has swept audiences into a whirlwind of emotion and spectacle, captivating viewers worldwide. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical has not only dominated the box office but also sparked meaningful conversations about its themes and characters.
The film's success is evident, grossing $263 million domestically and $360 million internationally within just ten days of its release. Critics have lauded the performances of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, with early Oscar buzz surrounding their portrayals. Their on-screen chemistry mirrors their off-screen camaraderie, as seen during the press tour, where their genuine connection was palpable.
A particularly touching moment occurred when Grande was presented with Glinda's original wand from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz during an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, bringing her to tears and highlighting the deep emotional resonance of the role.
Wickedly Viral
The film’s release has enchanted audiences worldwide and ignited a series of viral trends that intertwine the film's themes with personal reflection and community engagement.
Holding Space for 'Defying Gravity'
A poignant moment from the film's press tour featured journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist discussing how individuals are "holding space" for the lyrics of Defying Gravity, finding empowerment in its message. This concept resonated deeply, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, leading to a viral trend where people shared personal reflections on the song's significance. The trend even found its way into Thanksgiving traditions as a form of meditation to focus on themes of liberation and self-acceptance before the big meal.
'Loathing' Dance Challenge
Another trend gaining momentum is the 'Loathing' dance challenge. Christopher Scott, choreographer for the film, provided a step-by-step tutorial of the dance scenes on the official TikTok account for the movie. Fans have recreated the dance moves, complete with a book in hand, essential for the choreo. Even other Broadway companies, such as Hamilton, have joined in on the fun. This challenge has fostered community among theater enthusiasts and introduced the musical's dynamic choreography to a broader audience.
These trends highlight the cultural impact of Wicked, demonstrating how its themes and musical numbers inspire both introspection and communal participation.
Why Wicked? A Geek Therapy Approach
As certified practitioners in Geek Therapy, we understand the power of fandoms and popular media to create meaningful therapeutic connections. Geek Therapy leverages clients' passions and interests—whether it’s films, games, or books—as tools to explore emotions, values, and relationships. With Wicked becoming a cultural phenomenon, its themes have naturally found their way into therapy conversations. Recognizing this, we developed these worksheets to help therapists channel this enthusiasm into structured, reflective activities that guide clients through self-exploration using the film’s rich narrative.
Therapeutic Tools Inspired by The Film
Wicked explores the complex relationship between Glinda and Elphaba, with themes of compliance versus defiance, emotional complexity, and the balance between connection and authenticity. Their dynamic offers rich opportunities for therapeutic exploration, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal authenticity and the journey toward mutual respect despite differences. Inspired by these themes, we’ve developed a series of free worksheets to help clients reflect on their inner dynamics. These tools guide clients in understanding their compliant and defiant parts, mapping their emotional journeys, and finding balance between seemingly opposing traits, fostering self-reflection and personal growth.
Worksheets:
Challenging Societal Norms (1 page): Use this worksheet to help clients identify and challenge societal expectations that conflict with their values. Discuss specific pressures and how they can assert their authentic selves.
Tips for Use:
Start by discussing Elphaba’s defiance of societal norms in the film. Ask clients how they relate to her struggles or bravery.
Use the worksheet prompts to explore clients’ unique experiences with societal expectations.
Additional Prompts:
"What are some rules or expectations you’ve felt pressured to follow? How do these align or conflict with your values?"
"When have you seen someone challenge norms in a way that inspired you? What did you learn from their example?"
"What small steps can you take to assert your values more openly?"
Holding Space for Defying Gravity (1 page): Encourage clients to listen to "Defying Gravity" in a reflective setting. Discuss how the lyrics resonate with their experiences of overcoming challenges and embracing their individuality.
Tips for Use:
Begin by asking clients to describe their feelings when they hear "Defying Gravity." Please encourage them to connect the emotions in the song to personal experiences.
Discuss the symbolism of "defying gravity" as breaking free from internal or external limitations.
Additional Prompts to Expand the Conversation:
"What does the phrase 'defying gravity' mean to you personally? What would breaking free from your limits look like?”
"What fears or doubts keep you from taking a leap of faith in your life?"
"If you could soar above one obstacle, what would it be, and how would it feel to leave it behind?"
Charting Our Emotional Journey (2 pages): Begin with the example of Elphaba’s journey to model how clients can explore their own emotional experiences. Use the second page to guide them in mapping significant events, their emotional responses, and the actions or coping strategies they used.
Tips for Use:
Use the example of Elphaba’s journey to normalize the ups and downs of emotional experiences. Highlight the importance of recognizing both strengths and vulnerabilities.
Encourage clients to reflect on their emotional responses, emphasizing that all emotions are valid.
Additional Prompts to Expand the Conversation:
"What patterns do you notice in how you react to significant life events? Are there emotions that seem to come up often?"
"How have your coping strategies evolved over time? Are there new strategies you’d like to try?"
"Which event on your chart felt the hardest to process? How did you find support or strength during that time?"
Parts Work: Our Inner Elphaba and Glinda (2 pages): Start with the descriptions of Glinda and Elphaba to introduce the idea of inner parts. Help clients reflect on their compliant and defiant traits, facilitating a dialogue between these parts to explore how they can work together.
Tips for Use:
Start by describing Glinda and Elphaba’s contrasting traits, emphasizing that compliance and defiance have unique strengths.
Encourage clients to reflect on how these parts appear in their lives and relationships.
Additional Prompts to Expand the Conversation:
"When does your compliant part (Glinda) feel most comfortable or useful? How about your defiant part (Elphaba)?"
"What would a conversation between your inner Glinda and Elphaba sound like? What would they say to each other?"
"How can you honor your need for connection without compromising your authenticity?"
"What role does each part play when you face conflict or challenges? How can they work together more effectively?"
By engaging with these worksheets, clients can gain deeper insights into their internal conflicts and work toward a more integrated self, much like the journey of Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked. Download the free, typeable PDF worksheets to bring these themes into your therapeutic practice or personal reflection. We’d love to hear how you’ve used these resources or how the film’s themes resonate with you—share your thoughts and ideas in the comments!
