Exploring Emotions with Inside Out 2 – A Counsellor’s Perspective
The much-anticipated Inside Out 2 has finally arrived, and, as a counsellor, I was thrilled to see how this sequel explores the complexity of emotions even further. Pixar’s original Inside Out gave us an unforgettable look inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl, Riley, introducing characters that represent her core emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. This time, the filmmakers dive even deeper, highlighting the growth and emotional complexity that comes with adolescence.
In Inside Out 2, we revisit Riley as she navigates her teenage years, and we see the introduction of new emotions, such as Guilt, Shame, and Embarrassment. These additions are crucial because they represent the kinds of layered emotions many of us face as we grow. For younger viewers, these new characters open up conversations about feelings that are often difficult to express. For adults, they highlight the continued journey of emotional development and the importance of understanding and integrating all parts of ourselves.
Emotions and Identity
One of the film’s strengths lies in how it portrays the role of emotions in shaping identity. Riley’s emotions each play a part in defining who she is, reflecting how our own feelings impact how we view ourselves and the world around us. The new emotions in Inside Out 2 are a gentle reminder that it’s normal to have a broad spectrum of feelings, especially during major life transitions. Adolescence is often a time of self-discovery, and this film beautifully illustrates how every emotion, whether “positive” or “negative”, has value in helping us understand ourselves.
Integrating Complex Emotions
A standout theme in Inside Out 2 is the importance of integrating complex emotions rather than trying to suppress or avoid them. In counselling, we often work with clients on recognising, understanding, and accepting all their feelings, even the uncomfortable ones. The film demonstrates how each emotion, including Guilt and Shame, plays a unique role in helping Riley grow and learn. Embracing these parts of herself leads to deeper self-acceptance and emotional resilience - a powerful message for viewers of any age.
Lessons for Counselling
Inside Out 2 offers valuable lessons about emotional regulation and self-awareness that align closely with therapeutic work. The film shows that each emotion has its purpose and that our goal should not be to eliminate any emotion but to find balance and understanding. This aligns with the therapeutic approach of validating all emotions as a part of the human experience.
For those who work in counselling, this film can be a helpful tool for explaining emotional concepts to clients. Watching Riley experience, express, and integrate her emotions can help clients feel seen and encourage them to explore their own feelings in a safe, non-judgmental way.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for All Ages
Whether you’re a parent, counsellor, or simply curious about mental health, Inside Out 2 is a powerful film that dives into the complexity of human emotions with sensitivity, humour, and depth. It reminds us all that every feeling has a purpose, and by learning to listen to our emotions, we can better understand ourselves and build stronger connections with others.
This sequel is more than just a movie - it’s an invitation to embrace our emotions as allies on the journey to self-acceptance. Inside Out 2 is a beautiful, enlightening experience that’s worth watching, reflecting on, and discussing with loved ones.