Written by Madison Chen, MCP, RCC
Wicked: The Movie is nothing short of a global phenomenon. The Hollywood Reporter stated that the blockbuster has earned over $700 million at the global box office and $70 million in streaming sales across the U.S. and Canada. The movie tells the backstory of Elphaba, the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. From the moment she was born, her green skin made her the subject of ridicule and alienation, both within her own family and in the outside world. Her father blamed her for her mother’s death and her sister’s disability, while classmates mocked her appearance. Though she possessed an exceptional gift for magic, she hid her talents, believing they made her even more of an outsider. It wasn’t until she attended Shiz University that her life took a turn, forming an unlikely friendship with the bubbly and ambitious Glinda. Elphaba’s journey soon became entangled in political intrigue when she uncovered a conspiracy to scapegoat and oppress others. Driven by her strong sense of justice, she defied the Wizard and challenged his authority, setting herself on a path of further alienation. Along the way, she wrestled with conflicting desires and heartbreaking choices, all in an effort to stay true to herself. Her story is one of heartbreak but also of bravery, resilience, and growth.
Since Wicked hit theaters, social media has been flooded with reaction clips of viewers watching Elphaba’s story for the first time. These videos show captivated audiences—many of them tearful—deeply moved by her indignant resilience and the loneliness that haunted her. Elphaba’s journey was one of being held back—not just by the expectations of her father or the oppressive pressures of society but also by her own fears. She suppressed her extraordinary magical powers because she had been told, time and again, that she was abnormal and unworthy. Her father, ashamed of her green skin, burdened her with the responsibility of caring for her disabled sister, as though she owed a debt for simply existing. Elphaba even feared her own powers, convinced that her differences would only isolate her further and that someone like Fiyero—a carefree and handsome prince—could never love her. Little did she know that her magic would become a force for protecting the oppressed, and that it was her vulnerability and authenticity that ultimately drew Fiyero to her.
It’s no surprise the movie has resonated so deeply—Elphaba’s story reflects struggles that many of us share. We all know what it’s like to feel held back. For some, it’s the lingering impact of past trauma, keeping the body in a state of dysregulation and making it difficult to function in the present. Others are consumed by overwhelming emotions that limit their ability to form secure relationships, stay grounded in daily life, or pursue their ambitions with confidence. Marginalized communities often carry the weight of institutional oppression simply for being different, much like Elphaba.
Therapy can play a transformative role in helping clients, like Elphaba, face life’s challenges with courage and resilience. In Wicked, Elphaba’s willingness to show vulnerability not only brought Fiyero closer to her but also inspired meaningful change within him. In therapy, similar dynamics unfold. By fostering a safe and nonjudgmental space, vulnerable emotions naturally emerge, creating opportunities for connection and growth. When clients tap into the power of their emotions—their own kind of “magic”—and share their most authentic and tender feelings, it invites therapists to meet them with reassurance, empathy, and care, guiding them along their journey of healing.
Just as Glinda witnessed Elphaba’s pain and courage—dancing with her in a moment of connection that made Elphaba feel truly seen—therapists act as compassionate witnesses to their clients’ journeys. Through support, understanding, and empathy, therapists facilitate co-regulation, creating a “we’re in this together” experience that helps clients process past trauma, explore new ways of being, and embrace parts of themselves they once believed were flawed or unacceptable. Therapy, much like Glinda’s empathetic companionship, helps clients grow, heal, and ultimately change for the better.