Neuroscience in Wicked and in the Therapy Office

At With its compelling storyline, powerful soundtrack, big name actors and sheer magnetism, it’s no surprise that 2024’s Wicked has set box office records and become a pop culture phenomenon.



In one of the film’s most moving scenes, Elphaba, a fierce and generally self-assured outcast, begins a sort of bizarre but lovely expressive dance amidst a mocking crowd. When the charismatic Prince Fiaro comments, “I’ll say this much; she doesn’t give a twig what anyone thinks,” flawless and ever-popular Galinda solemnly and knowingly responds,“of course she does.”



Much to the surprise of onlookers, Glinda, in her first demonstrable moment of compassion and sincerity, approaches Elphaba and joins the dance, initially replicating Elphaba’s original movements. Elphaba rejoins the motions, both women mirroring the others’ movements while also adding their own elements, creating a choreography of connection. Face to face, and at times with unbroken eye contact, the two begin to match one another in reciprocal, fluid movements, building to a moment of synchronicity and connection that brings the stoic Elphaba to tears. From this moment, the heroines are connected. They see one another, have compassion for one another and ultimately can move forward to take on the myriad challenges that lie ahead of them.



Connection isn’t just a feel-good idea, on-screen or in our real lives—it’s fundamental to our very survival as a species. Human babies require that their needs and cries be met with the attentive response and embrace of their caretakers. Without this, the baby cannot physically survive or emotionally thrive. Secure attachment forms when a child is “in sync” with their caregiver physically, a state in which the infant’s body and emotions are regulated (Bessel, 2014). Attachment theory tells us that the co-regulation between caretaker and baby creates the foundation of life long self-regulation, as well as our ability to participate in social connections (Karen, 2024). The ability for our nervous systems to reciprocate and connect is the state in which we can find safety and flourish (Dana, 2018). The underpinnings of this are neurological. Deb Dana describes exchange as “a neural exercise requiring a relational give and take…The energy of reciprocity is one of sending care back and forth, of shared intimacy, of balance in the relational exchange.” Researchers continue to find evidence supporting the presence of ‘mirror neurons’ in the human brain, likely the underpinnings for empathy, understanding and synchronicity (Van Der Kolk, 2014).



For most of human history, we have lived collectively in order to get our basic needs met. For our ancestors, cooperation and connection meant access to the very basic necessities while rejection from our social group could literally mean death. Studies have shown that the rejection of emotional pain indeed is experienced in the same areas of the brain as physical pain, indicating that our brains cannot differentiate the two from one another (Cross, et al, 2011 ). Meanwhile, being validated, seen and connected leads to the neurological safety we require to flourish. We can thrive only when we are connected.



Our therapy sessions probably won’t be Oscar-nominated for elements of set design, costumes, choreography or performance—although maybe they ought to be! At times our patient-clinician interactions do resemble a dance. It is first with presence that we can set a tone for the vulnerability, safety and connection required for reflection, insight and action. Similar to Glinda and Elphaba’s dance, the therapist will also work to weave in new elements, trial a new “move,” and continue to work to maintain flow as the patient does the same. Our inherent ability to mirror and connect can be enhanced by a therapist’s facial expression, posture or volume of speech.



We can supplement this further with the teaching of a skill or working to regulate breath or relax muscles. This dance may seem intimidating, but let’s remember that this is not only the work we train for and continue to improve upon, but that both therapist and patient are innately wired to join in this human, healing connection.



As Elphaba and Glinda later sing, “together we’re unlimited!” Through our therapeutic dance, so too are our patients’ potentials.