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!

yesandexercise@gmail.com

Originally Published on https://www.yesandexercise.org/

Robert Cochrane, PhD Yes, And...eXercise!

Dr. Robert Cochrane is a graduate of UNLV's Integrated Health Sciences department. He's researching the effect of improvisation and storytelling on Parkinson’s disease. He received grants from the Parkinson's Foundation and support from the Davis Phinney Foundation along the way. He is a popular, unique and high energy Keynote speaker, bringing joy, optimism and practical tools for people in the PD community to thrive today.

He has a background in filmmaking, with the Artisan Entertainment release, The Playaz Court, and two Stephen King-based short films among his credits. His father, Dan, was diagnosed with PD in 2001, which shifted Robert’s artistic lens to health. He made his first documentary, the award-winning Boys of Summer in 2004. There are two follow up films in the series with the fourth film coming in 2023.

He moved his family back to Walnut Creek, CA, where he grew up. He lives there with his beautiful wife, two teenagers who are, indeed, "all that" and is a proud care partner for his amazing parents.