The implementation of expressive techniques in counseling (e.g., cinema, music, art) have been instrumental to the counseling profession, positively impacting counselors and the quality of work with their clients by positioning them to broaden their perspectives and obtain and deeper understanding of life altering experiences (Bradley, Whiting, & Hendricks, 2008). Hidden Figures is an inspirational, biographical film that highlights three African American mathematicians, Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, and their invaluable contributions to NASA during the early years of the United States’ space program while intensely preparing for John Glen’s historic launch into orbit. These three women, like so many African American women, encountered extreme racism, segregation, discrimination, and sexism. This film provides a vivid depiction of social injustices for African Americans and women in the 1960s. Fortunately, these courageous and determined women would not be dismayed, choosing to persevere despite demeaning work conditions, as well as adversity across the nation. These three women chose to remain focused on their career aspirations and goals, drawing strength and support from their families and friendship with one another.

In the November 2016 issue of Counseling Today, Dr. Catherine Roland urged counselors to re-evaluate, accept, and activate our resilience as human beings. Thus, the author encourages counselors to inspire their clients to do the same. Counselors can assist clients with recognizing their unique, personal attributes and so they can tap into the necessary grit needed to overcome adverse situations and pursue personal and professional goals and aspirations. Movies like Hidden Figures can also inspire clients to push past discrimination and social injustices in pursuit of their personal and professional goals and aspirations.

Reference:
Bradley, L., Whiting, P., & Hendricks, B. (2008). The use of expressive techniques in counseling. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 3(1), 44-59.