Therapist explores the sequel to ‘Inside Out’ and its impact on children’s mental health

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has been breaking records since its release last month. According to an article from CNBC, the movie has surpassed $1 billion at the global box office, becoming the first film to do so since “Barbie.” It is also the highest-grossing film of 2024 so far.

The family film has sparked discussions about emotions and dealing with them as children grow up and navigate life. Licensed therapist Trey Tucker of Rugged Counseling spoke with KXAN about the interest in therapy that the film has generated. Tucker mentioned that the movie broaches uncomfortable topics about emotions and counseling in a non-threatening way.

Tucker explained that the movie is based on a therapy called “internal family systems,” where each person has different roles just like in a family. He emphasized that the film illustrates how different emotions or parts of us all have a role and are trying to help, but sometimes their efforts may inadvertently cause harm.

According to Tucker, “Inside Out 2” effectively showcases how these different parts and emotions can sometimes clash and work against each other in their attempts to solve problems. He commended the producers for their ability to translate complex concepts into a movie that even young children can understand.

For the full Q&A interview with Tucker, you can watch the video at the top of this story.