directorsbyebyelove

5/16/081Dermer,S.
B.
,&Hutchings,J.
B.
(2000).
Utilizingmoviesinfamilytherapy:Applicationsforindividuals,couples,andfamilies.
TheAmericanJournalofFamilyTherapy,28,163-180.
Movies,likebooks,canbeusefulandinexpensiveinterventionsintherapy.
Theadvantagesofusingmoviesintherapyarediscussed,aswellasguidelinesforintegratingmoviesasintervention.
Inaddition,theauthorsconductedasurveyofcliniciansinordertocollecttheirsuggestionsforutilizingparticularmovieswithparticularpresentingproblems.
Resultsofthesurveyareincludedintheappendix.
Inthepasttherapistshavefoundinterventionsthatmakeuseofpopularculturehelpfulinconnectingwithsomethingclientsalreadyknow.
Popularcultureincludesmediumsthatrepresenttheideas,values,andbeliefsofalargesegmentofagivensociety.
Forexample,television,books,art,comics,andotherformsofmasscommunicationrepresentpopularculture.
Becausethistypeofcommunicationrepresentsalargesegmentofsocietyandisusuallyeasilyavailable,itprovidesavehiclefortappingcommondenominatorsamongdiversegroups.
Therefore,mediatorsofpopularculturesuchasbooks,poems,andmusicmaybeusedtojoin,teach,andchallengeclients.
Amorerecentadditionto"popularcultureinterventions"istheuseofmajormotionpictures.
Cinematherapy,theuseoffilmasanintervention,isanindirectapproachthatcanbeutilizedtodealwithavarietyofpresentingproblems.
Moviescanbeusedtoevaluateuniversalfamilyconcernsaswellasissuesspecifictoculture,class,gender,power,andsexualorientation(Lappin,1997).
Thepurposeofthisarticleistoexploretheuseofcinemaasaninterventionwithintherealmofindividual,couples,andfamilytherapy.
Previousliteratureregardingcinematherapyandguidelinesforitsusewillbediscussed.
Inaddition,theauthorsincluded,intheappendix,theresultsoftheirsurveyoftheclinicaluseofcinema.
Theappendixisacompilationofthemoviessuggestedbyparticipantsforparticularpresentingproblems,rationalesforutilizingaparticularmovie,andsuggestionsforwhoshouldwatchthemovie.
Participantssuggestedavarietyofmoviesforusewithawiderangeofpresentingproblems.
Inordertomakethelistmoreuserfriendlyforclinicians,theauthorsgroupedsuggestedmoviesbypresentingproblems.
USEOFCINEMAASANINTERVENTIONForoveracentury,therapistshavemadeuseofbookstohelpclientsovercomeawiderangeofproblems.
Recently,movieshavebeenusedforsimilarpurposes.
Bothliteratureandcinemacanbeusedtoeducate,normalize,reframe,andexpandideas.
Inaddition,cinematherapyandbibliotherapyarecreativeandinexpensivetherapeuticinterventions.
However,inspiteofitsusefulness,bibliotherapymaybelosingsomeofitsappealinlightofnewtechnology.
Theuseofmotionpicturesisemergingasausefulalternativetobibliotherapy.
Cinematherapy,simplydefined,isaspecifictherapeutictechniquethatinvolvesselectingcommercialfilmsforclientstoviewindividuallyorwithothersasameansfortherapeuticgain(Berg-Cross,Jennings,&Baruch,1990).
Otherscalltheuseofcommercialfilmsintherapy"VideoWork"(Hesley&Hesley,1998).
VideoWorkisdefinedasusing"filmstofacilitateselfunderstanding,tointroduceoptionsforactionplans,andtoseedfuturetherapeuticinterventions(Hesley&Helsey,1998,p.
5).
Fewauthorswriteaboututilizingcinemaasanoverarchingconcept.
Instead,mostauthorshavewrittenaboutimplementingspecificmoviesasinterventions(Christie&McGrath,1987,1989;Duncan,Beck,&Granum,1986;Gunzburg,1989;Turley&Dreyden,1990),employingsegmentsofmoviesas5/16/082examplesoftherapeuticconcepts/processes(Fleming,Piedmont,&Hiam,1990;Hering,1994;Johnson,1993;Lane,1995;Lawrence,1991;Leskowitz,1983;Newby,Fischer,&Reinke,1992;Swift&Wonderlich,1993),orcomparingtheircasestocharactersorplotlinesinmovies(Friedman,1981;Weimer&Lu,1987).
Althoughtheliteratureonusingfilmsintherapyisnotextensive,thepopularityoffilminterventionsisgrowing.
Oneofthereasonsmoviesarefindingtheirwayintotherapyistheirversatility.
Filmstypicallyhaveuniversalappeal,canbeintegratedintoanytherapymodality,andcanbeusedinindividual,couple,andfamilytherapy.
Inaddition,thistypeofinterventionmaybeusedwithdiverseclientpopulations.
Issuessuchasculture,class,gender,power,andsexualorientationcanbeexploredthroughfilm(Lappin,1997).
Theversatilityoffilmcreatestheopportunity,forabriefmoment,toexperiencetheworldthroughtheeyesofanother.
Whiletherapymaybeoutoftherealmofexperienceformanyfamilies,moviessupplyasharedlanguageforbothclientsandtherapists.
Filmprovidesanalternativemeanstocreatechangeinanonthreateningmannerandaffordsclientstheopportunitytosafelyaccessalternativeideasandbehaviors(Christie&McGrath1987,1989).
Inotherwords,therapistscanusemoviestoexternalizeproblemssothatclientscandealwithproblemsatasafedistance.
Guerinutilizestheideaofsafedistanceindisplacementtechniques(Nichols&Schwartz,1998).
Forinstance,heusesmoviestohelpclientsgainenoughdistancefromtheirproblemstoseetheircontributionstotheirownrolewithinasystem.
"Iftheproperaestheticdistanceismaintained,peoplecanbecomeemotionallyinvolvedwithamoviesothatithasanimpactbutatthesametimetheyremainsufficientlyremovedtobeobjective"(Nichols&Schwartz,1998,p.
162).
Thetherapist'sjobistomakesureclientsdonotunderdistanceoroverdistancethemselvesfromafilm.
Underdistancingresultsinan"emotionalexperiencedevoidofreflection,"andoverdistancing"leadstoalackofinvolvementandimpact"(Nichols&Schwarz,1998,p.
162).
Basically,moviesarebeneficialbecausetheycanconnecttoclientsonanemotional,cognitive,and/orbehaviorallevel.
Asinglemoviehasthepotentialtostimulatelaughter,tears,andnewthoughts.
ChristieandMcGrath(1989)hypothesizethatamovie'sabilitytoimpactclients"liesinthepresentationofmetaphorinanumberofsensorymodalitiessimultaneously,allowingpeoplethefreedomtochoosetheirownlevelofmetaphorandtheirownmodeoftherapy"(p.
149).
Therapistscanharnessthepotentialofmoviesbyhelpingclientsviewthemtherapeutically.
HesleyandHesley(1998)teachtheirclientstonoticehowcharactersandtheirrelationshipschangeovertime,topayattentiontohowcharactersinfluenceeachother,andtoverbalizetheiridentificationwithspecificcharacters.
Theycontendthatthetypicalwayofviewingmovies,intheentertainmentmode,islesspowerfulthanteachingclientstoviewmoviestherapeutically.
Thepotentialfortherapeuticeffectsliesintheclientsattentiontotheprocessofthemovieandcharacters.
GUIDELINESFORUTILIZINGCINEMATHERAPYTheprocessofusingfilmasaninterventionrequirespreparation.
Specialcareisneededtoinsurethesuccessofthistechnique.
Theauthorsofferguidelinesinthreestages:assessment,implementation,anddebriefing.
AssessmentCompleteassessmentandjoining(engagement)isessentialtoanytypeofsuccessfulintervention,andcinematherapyisnoexception(Christie&McGrath,1989).
Assigningamovieshouldbebasedupon5/16/083therapeuticjudgmentregardingpresentingproblems,familyhobbiesandinterests,andthegoaloftheintervention.
HesleyandHesley(1998)suggestaskingclientstonamemoviestheyidentifiedwithandwhatkindsofmoviestheytypicallyenjoy.
Thefollowingoutlinestheprocessofassessingafamilyinordertoutilizeamovieasintervention:1.
Identifypresentingproblemsandgoalsfortherapy.
2.
Assessstrengths(i.
e.
,interests,hobbies,activities,typeofemployment).
3.
Determineclients'abilitytounderstandthecontentofthefilmandrecognizesimilaritiesanddifferencebetweenthemselvesandthecharacters.
4.
Takeintoaccountissuesofdiversity(i.
e.
,culture,race,ethnicity,socioeconomicstatus,sexualorientation,andgender)whenchoosingafilm.
5.
Basedonassessment,matchclientswithmovies.
ImplementationOnceatherapistmatchesanappropriatemoviewithafamily,thetherapistpreparestoassignthemovie.
Therapistsshouldwatchthemoviebeforeassigningittoclients,bepreparedtoofferclientsarationaleforviewingthemovie,andmakedecisionsaboutwhatsubsystemsshouldwatchthemovie(i.
e.
,parents,children,wholefamily).
Thefollowingarethebasicstepsatherapistshouldfollowbeforeassigningaparticularmovie:1.
Thetherapistshouldalwayswatchthemoviebeforeassigningit.
2.
Provideclientswitharationaleforassigningafilm.
3.
Decidewhere,when,andwithwhomthemovieshouldbeviewed.
DebriefingAfterthefamilyviewsthemovie,thetherapistneedstoprocessthefamily'sreactions.
Debriefingwillvarybasedonthetherapist'spersonalandtherapeuticstyle.
Belowaregeneralguidelinesforfollowinguponmovieassignments:1.
Scheduleasessionsoonafterclientsviewthefilminordertodebrief.
2.
Discussclients'overallimpressionofthemovie.
3.
Processperceptionsandthoughtsabouthowthemoviemayormaynotrelatetoclients'issues.
4.
Explorethepossibilityofcreatingametaphorbasedonthemovie.
5.
Generateideaswithclientsabouthowinformationgainedfromthemoviemayhelpthemthink,feel,orbehavedifferently.
SURVEYOFCLINICALUSEOFCINEMATheideaofutilizingcinemaintherapymaybeanappealingone,butmayalsobedauntingtothoseunsureofwhichmoviestoassign.
Therefore,theauthorsofthisarticlehavecompiledalistofmoviesthatmaybeusefultomarriageandfamilytherapistsorothertherapiststhatseecouplesandfamilies.
5/16/084TheauthorssentlettersandsurveystomembersoftheKansasAssociationofMarriageandFamilyTherapy,directorsofaccreditedmarriageandfamilytherapyprograms,andotherfamilytherapistswhoexpressedinterestincinematicinterventions.
Thoseinterestedinparticipatinginthesurveywereaskedtoprovidebasicdemographicinformationandsuggestionsformoviestouseintherapy.
Participantslistedmoviesappropriateforuseinmarriageandfamilytherapy,wereaskedtobrieflydescribethepresentingproblemforwhichtheywouldassignthemovie,providearationalethattheywouldgiveanotherprofessionalforsuchanassignment,andlistwhichfamilymemberstheywouldasktoviewthemovie.
Thirty-sevenpeopleparticipatedinthesurvey.
Thesampleconsistedof33Caucasianparticipants,twoAfrican-Americanparticipants,andoneEuroAmericanparticipant(oneparticipantdidnotidentifyhisorherethnicbackground).
Theaverageageofparticipantswas42.
89(SD=12.
47).
Respondentshadanaverageof11.
82yearsofexperience(n=36;SD=10.
52)withaminimumof0yearsofexperienceandamaximumof40yearsofexperience.
Themajorityofrespondentsheldagraduatedegree(doctorate=13,master's=21)andthreeparticipantsheldundergraduatedegrees.
Participantssuggestedavarietyofmoviesforusewithawiderangeofpresentingproblems.
Inordertomakethelistmoreuserfriendlyforclinicians,theresearchersgroupedsuggestedmoviesbypresentingproblems.
Thelistissummarizedintheappendixtothisarticle.
CONCLUSIONLikeanysuccessfulintervention,cinematherapyisanadjuncttogoodtherapy.
A"flashy"interventionisneverasubstituteforjoining,assessment,andconceptualizationskills.
Therefore,theauthorsprovidedguidelinesandsuggestionsforsystematicallyintegratingcinematicinterventionsintotherapy.
Overall,moviesprovideanentertainingandcreativewaytoengageandchallengeclients.
Theycanbeusedtoeducate,reframe,createmetaphors,andtodevelopalternativesolutions.
Filmssupplyaspringboardformetaphoricalandliteralcommunication.
Thereisnodenyingtheinfluencemovieshaveinindustrializedandpostindustrializedsociety.
Foracouplehoursagoodfilmhelpsthemoviegoertranscendhisorherproblemsandenterintoaworldofunlimitedpossibilities.
Bothpowerfultherapyandpowerfulfilmshavethepotentialtotouchpeopleoncognitive,emotional,andbehaviorallevels.
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Thecreaturefromtheblacklagoon:AnAmericanpsychosocialallegory.
CorrectiveandSocialPsychiatryandJournalofBehaviorTechnology,MethodsandTherapy,29(1),12-13.
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Justaspoonfulofsugarhelpsthetherapygodown.
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C.
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Familytherapy:Conceptsandmethods.
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Houseofgames:Acinematicstudyofcountertransference.
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[Reference]Turley,J.
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Useofahorrorfilminpsychotherapy.
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Weimer,S.
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Personaltransformationthroughanencounterwithdeath:Cinematicandpsychotherapycasestudies.
TheJournalofTranspersonalPsychology,19(2),133-149.
[AuthorAffiliation]5/16/086SHANNONB.
DERMERUniversityofAkron,Akron,Ohio,USAJENNIFERB.
HUTCHINGSFerrisStateUniversity,BigRapids,Michigan,USA[AuthorAffiliation]ThisstudywasoriginallyconductedatKansasStateUniversityintheSchoolofFamilyStudiesandHumanServices.
WewouldliketoacknowledgethefinancialandemotionalsupportofthemarriageandfamilytherapyfacultyatKansasStateUniversityandthehelpofJeanetteHigginsattheUniversityofAkron.
AddresscorrespondencetoShannonB.
Dermer,DepartmentofCounselingandSpecialEducation,CarrollHall,Akron,Ohio44325-5007.
E-mail:sdermer@uakron.
edu[Appendix]APPENDIX[Appendix]Abuse(SexualandPhysical)DeloresClaibornePresentingProblem:Domesticviolenceandsexualabuse.
Rationale:Depictseffectsofdomesticviolenceandsexualabuseinthefamilysystem.
RecommendedParticipants:Appropriateforindividuals/groupswhohaveperpetratedsexoffensesordomesticviolence.
Nuts[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Sexualabuse.
Rationale:Showssomeoftheprocessesaroundsexualabuse.
RecommendedParticipants:Sexualabusesurvivors.
PrinceofTidesPresentingProblem:Sexualabuse;emotionalincest;familysecrets,andviolence.
Rationale:Demonstratesdifficultyofadultchildrenpullingawayfromincestuousparent,violence,anddifficultyhealingfromsexualabuse.
RecommendedParticipants:Sexualabusevictimsorfamilyofabusevictim.
Who'sAfraidofVirginiaWoolfePresentingProblem:Verbalabuseandphysicalviolence.
Rationale:Showseffectsofphysicalandverbalpunishment,alcoholism,andlackofcommunication.
RecommendedParticipants:Couplesandadolescents.
Adolescence5/16/087[Appendix](seealsoparenting,family-of-origin,transitionstoadulthood,andvalues/ethics)AmacordPresentingProblem:Adolescentadjustment,identity.
Rationale:Demonstratesstruggles,issuesofgrowingup.
RecommendedParticipants:Parentsandadolescents.
DonJuanDeMarcoPresentingProblem:Adolescentsexualfantasies.
Rationale:Normalizeadolescentfantasies.
RecommendedParticipants:Parents,adolescents,andothersworkingwithadolescents.
[Appendix]TheGoofyMoviePresentingProblem:Adolescent-parentstruggles,child-parentstruggles.
Rationale:Nonthreateningwayforadolescent/child-parent/caretakertoexperiencetheawkwardnessandpainfulnessofbeingattwodifferentdevelopmentstagesandmakingimportanttransitionsinlife,parent-childtrustissues.
[Appendix]RecommendedParticipants:Children/adolescentsandtheirparent/caretaker.
MyOwnPrivateIdahoPresentingProblem:Teenagerswhowanttorunaway.
Rationale:Demonstratestherealitiesofleavinghomeandhavingtoliveonthestreets.
RecommendedParticipants:Adolescents.
RebelWithoutaCausePresentingProblem:Adolescentstruggles:alienation,separatingfromparents,formingone'sownidentity.
Rationale:Normalizessometeenagestruggles.
Inaddition,thisisamoviefrommanyteenager'sparents'generation,soitshowsthesimilaritiesbetweenthemselvesandtheirparentsatthatage.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily.
Adoption[Appendix](seealsogrief/lossissues)[Appendix]FreeWilly[Appendix]5/16/088PresentingProblem:Difficultieswithadoptionanddynamicsofinclusion.
Rationale:Showstrialsandjoysofadoptionforfamilies.
RecommendedParticipants:Adoptedchildren,families.
GordyPresentingProblem:Adoptionissues,losses,griefissues.
Rationale:Characterizesthestruggleofbeingwithoutorseparatedfromyourfamily;showindividualgoingthroughtheambivalenceofbeingwiththosewhowanttocare(physicallyandemotionally)forhimanddesiringtobewiththosewhoshouldcarefromhim(atleastemotionally).
RecommendedParticipants:Children/familiesstrugglingwithlosses,especiallylossofaparentoradoption.
Affairs[Appendix]ScenesfromaMallPresentingProblem:InfidelityandmaritalproblemsRationale:Humorouslookatinfidelityandmaritaldifficulties.
RecommenedParticipants:Couple.
SomethingtoTalkAboutPresentingProblem:Affair.
Rationale:Demonstraetsthataffairsoftenemanateoutoflowmaritalsatisfaction.
RecommendedParticipants:Couple.
[Appendix]AgingandAgeism[Appendix](seealsoadolescenceandtransitionstoadulthood)[Appendix]Dad[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Agingparent,shiftinparent-childroles.
Rationale:Punctuatesthefearsandlossesofbothparentandchildwhentheparentlosessomeofhisorherphysicalandmentalcapabilities.
[Appendix]RecommendedParticipants:Individuals/familiesstrugglingwithdecliningparent.
5/16/089FiddlerontheRoofPresentingProblem:MaritalburnoutanddifficultythroughoutthelifespanRationale:Funmoviethattracksfamily,marriage,andtraditions.
RecommendedParticipants:Entirefamilyandlaunchingagechildren.
OnGoldenPondPresentingProblem:Agingandrelationships.
Rationale:Showshowrelationshipschangeandneedtobedealtwithasthefamilygrowsolder.
RecommendedParticipants:Familiesandcouples.
TriptoBountiful[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Ageandageism.
Rationale:Providesaglimpseatthethoughtprocessesandperceptionsofelderlypeople.
RecommendedParticipants:Anyonewithanelderlyfamilymember.
UsedPeoplePresentingProblem:Issuesrelatedtoadultchildrenandtheirparentsandtheelderlygettingremarried.
Rationale:Providesahumorous,yetrealisticlookatwhatcanhappeninblendingfamiliesandtheeffectontheadultchildrenofthosewhoaregettingmarried.
RecommendedParticipants:Adultchildrenofthosegettingmarried.
AIDS[Appendix]TheCurePresentingProblem:AIDS,grief,loss,andfriendship.
Rationale:ShowshowastrongfriendshipbetweentwoyoungboyscanbeahelpinfacingAIDSanddeath.
RecommendedParticipants:Anyonetherapistconsidersoldenoughtogainvaluefromthemovie.
PhiladlephiaPresentingProblem:AIDS,issuesaroundhomosexuality,anddealingwithprejudice.
Rationale:Helpfamilylookatamarginalizedgroupandamarginalizeddisease.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily.
[Appendix]ConflictResolution/CommunicationInaLonelyPlacePresentingProblem:"Uncontrollable"angerinamarriageorrelationship.
Rationale:Thefilmdoesagoodjobofshowinghowextremeangercanpoisonalovingrelationship.
RecommendedParticipants:Couple.
WaroftheRosesPresentingProblem:Conflictresolutionandcommunication.
5/16/0810Rationale:Demonstratesendresultofdysfunctionalprocesses.
RecommendedParticipants:Couple.
[Appendix]Chronic/TerminalIllness/PhysicalandMentalChallengesDonJuanDeMarcoPresentingProblem:Mentalillness.
Rationale:Providesthosedealingwiththementallyill(especiallychronicallymentallyill),theopportunitytoempathizewiththedevelopmentofanonorganicmentalillness,diffusesthepathologyofsomementalillness,normalizessomeofthebehaviorofthementallyill.
RecommendedParticipants:Individuals/familiesdealingwithamentallyillfamilymember.
ForestGumpPresentingProblem:Achievinginspiteoflabels.
Rationale:Thepowerofamother'sbeliefinhersonandtranscendingchallenges.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily.
MaskPresentingProblem:Childwithphysicaldisability.
Rationale:Showshowsomeonecandealandovercomedisability.
Dealwithdifferencesinsocialsituations.
[Appendix]RecommendedParticipants:Childrenandparents.
MyLifePresentingProblem:Terminalillnessanddying.
Rationale:Demonstratesdealingwithlossofparent/spouseduetoterminalillness.
RecommendedParticipants:Adultsandadolescents.
OneFlewOvertheCuckoo'sNestTermsofEndearmentPresentingProblem:Copingwithphysicalillness(especiallycancer).
Rationale:Showshowfamiliesdealwithterminalillness.
RecommendedParticipants:Adultfamilymembers.
[Appendix]Divorce[Appendix](seealsoremarriedfamilies)[Appendix]5/16/0811Bye,ByeLove[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Divorceadjustmentordivorcetherapy.
Rationale:Presentsthreestylesofdealingwithdivorce.
RecommendedParticipants:Divorcedordivorcingparents.
FourSeasonsPresentingProblem:Divorce,remarriage,midlifecrisis,friendships,communicationproblems,andmaritalexpectations.
Rationale:Demonstratesmidlifedevelopmentissues,andchangingexpectationsandneeds.
RecommendedParticipants:Couplesinmidlife.
Kramervs.
KramerPresentingProblem:Divorceandeffectsofparentsonchildren.
Rationale:Displaysdifficultiesindealingwithdivorce.
RecommendedParticipants:Parentsandchildren.
[Appendix]EatingDisordersBestLittleGirlintheWorldPresentingProblem:Anorexia.
Rationale:Showsfamilydynamics.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamilies.
Family-of-OriginIssues/TransgenerationalissuesHannahandHerSisters[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Familydysfunction,enmeshment,andalcoholism.
Rationale:Showshowsecretsaffectsiblingrelationshipsandparent-childrelationships.
RecommendedParticipants:Siblings,emotionallydistantoremotionallyenmeshedclients,andclientswithalcoholisminthefamily.
HomefortheHolidaysPresentingProblem:Family-oforiginissourceofalotofstress.
Rationale:Demonstrateseffectsoffamilysystemsandhowpeopletrytodealwithit(cutoff,triangles,enmeshment,etc.
).
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily.
It'saWonderfulLifePresentingProblem:Conflictsbetweenindividualandfamilygoals.
Rationale:Demonstratesfamily-of-originloyalties;sacrificeforothers;meaninginlife;over/underfunctioning,andeffectsofsiblingposition.
RecommendedParticipants:Individualsandcouples.
5/16/0812ThejoyLuckClubPresentingProblem:Generationaltransmissionofpatternsandmother-daughterrelationship.
[Appendix]Rationale:Showshowenduringpatternscanbeandthedifficultiesandstrengthsinmother-daughterrelationships.
RecommendedParticipants:Womenandmother-daughterdyads.
LikeWaterforChocolatePresentingProblem:Generationaltransmissionofpatterns,familymyths,andmother-daughterrelationships.
Rationale:Showstheeffectsofholdingontoafamilymythorfamilyruleatthecostofindividualmembersofthefamilyandthewell-beingofthewholefamily.
RecommendedParticipants:Parents,wholefamily(notyoungchildren).
OnGoldenPondPresentingProblem:Differentiationfromfamily-of-origin.
Rationale:Showsdynamicsofpowerandmaturityofadultchildrenwiththeirparents.
[Appendix]RecommendedParticipants:Adultchildrenandparents.
MoonstruckPresentingProblem:Familyproblemsandremarriage.
Rationale:Showshowfamilymythsandindividualdecisionsaffectthewholefamily.
RecommendedParticipants:Parents,remarriedcouples.
OrdinaryPeoplePresentingProblem:Multigenerationalissues,grieving,loss,suicide,andparent-childissues.
[Appendix]Rationale:Showsthesystemiceffectsofproblemsacrossgenerationsandwithinfamilysubsystemsontheentirefamily.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily(notyoungchildren)andparents.
ParenthoodPresentingProblem:Differentiationandadultoffspring'scontinuedangeragainstparentsforthingsthathappenedinchildhood.
Rationale:Demonstratesmultigenerationalissuesandhowholdingontoone'spastcreatesanxiety.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamilyandcouples.
RaisinintheSunPresentingProblem:Intergenerationalconflictsoverracial/ethnicheritage.
Rationale:ThefilmfocusesonthreegenerationsofAfrican-Americansastheyarguehowraceeffectseachofthem.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily.
Friendship5/16/0813[Appendix]TheBigChillPresentingProblem:Lossissues.
Rationale:Showshowagroupoffriendseachdealwiththeirgriefdifferentlyandstruggletogethertodealwithissuesaroundlossandgrief.
RecommendedParticipants:Adults.
TheCurePresentingProblem:AIDS,grief,loss,andfriendship.
Rationale:ShowshowastrongfriendshipbetweentwoyoungboyscanbeahelpinfacingAIDSanddeath.
RecommendedParticipants:FriedGreenTomatoesPresentingProblem:Intimaterelationshipsandself-esteem.
Rationale:Demonstratestheimportanceoftakingtheleadinone'slifeandmakingchanges,theconnectednessinrelationships,andhowimportantfriendscanbeinlife.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamilyorindividualwomen.
SteelMagnoliasPresentingProblem:Grief,loss,divorce,andcancer.
Rationale:Showshowagroupoffemalefriendsmaintaintheirrelationshipandsupporteachotherthrough"thickandthin.
"RecommendedParticipants:Anyonewhoneedstobuildandunderstandfriendships.
Grieving/LossIssues[Appendix](i.
e.
death,unmetexpectations,andunmetgoals)[Appendix]TheBigChill[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Lossissues.
Rationale:Showshowagroupoffriendseachdealwiththeirgriefdifferentlyandstruggletogethertodealwithissuesaroundtossandgrief.
RecommendedParticipants:Adults.
[Appendix]Europa,Europa5/16/0814[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Familyloss,identityissues,andstruggletosurvive.
Rationale:Demonstratestheeffectsofhowonechoosestodefineoneself,thestrugglewithtremendousloss,andhowresilientapersoncanbe.
RecommendedParticipants:Adultsandolderadolescents.
TheFisherKingPresentingProblem:Griefandguilt.
Rationale:Presentsconceptsofatonementandritualasnecessaryinthehealingprocess.
RecommendedParticipants:Peoplestuckinthegriefprocess.
GordyPresentingProblem:Adoptionissues,losses,griefissues.
Rationale:Characterizesthestruggleofbeingwithoutorseparatedfromyourfamily;showsindividualgoingthroughtheambivalenceofbeingwiththosewhowanttocare(physicallyandemotionally)forhimanddesiringtobewiththosewhoshouldcareforhim(atleastemotionally).
[Appendix]RecommendedParticipants:Children/familiesstrugglingwithlosses,especiallylossofaparentoradoption.
LionKingPresentingProblem:Youngchildoradolescenttryingtodealwiththetraumaofthepast.
Rationale:Canhelpastrugglingchildappropriatelyplaceblameandhelpthemlearnfrommistakes.
RecommendedParticipants:Adolescentorchildandparents.
Mr.
Holland'sOpusPresentingProblem:Lossofdreamsandexpectations.
Rationale:Showshowwesometimesgetsocaughtupinwhatwethinkwewant,thatwedon'trealizewealreadyhavewhatshouldmakeushappy.
RecommendedParticipants:Families,couples,andindividuals.
OnceAround[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Griefandloss.
Rationale:Demonstrateshowafamilycancometogetheroverloss.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamilies.
OrdinaryPeoplePresentingProblem:Problemswithgriefaroundlossofachildandsuicide.
Rationale:Showsfamilydynamicsaroundgriefandsuicide.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily(childreniftheyarealittleolder).
SteelMagnoliasPresentingProblem:Griefandlossofafamilymember.
Rationale:Demonstrateseffectsoflossonfamily,demonstratessupportsystems,andgrieving.
.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily(notyoungchildren).
5/16/0815Truly,Madly,DeeplyPresentingProblem:Griefoverdeathofsignificantothers.
Rationale:Dealswiththedifficultyin,andultimatelytheneedto,letgoaftergrievingthedeathofapartner.
RecommendedParticipants:Familyand,particularly,thepartnerofthedeceased.
[Appendix]Vanyaon42ndStreetPresentingProblem:Afamilyinturmoil,dealingwithfailedhopes,lostexpectations,andforgiveness.
Rationale:Looksatmidlifeissues.
RecommendedParticipants:Adults.
IntimacyIssues/RelationshipsCrimesandMisdemeanorPresentingProblem:Intimacyandloverelationships.
Rationale:Showsthecomplexityofloverelationshipsandeffortstorepairthepastincurrentrelationships.
RecommendedParticipants:Couples.
CrossingDelanceyPresentingProblem:Beingsingleandbeingpressuredtogetmarried.
Rationale:Demonstratesculturalpressuresaswellashowoldersinglescanstartarelationship.
RecommendedParticipants:Adultswhoaresingleandbeingpressuredtogetmarried.
[Appendix]FriedGreenTomatoesPresentingProblem:Relationshipsandself-esteem.
Rationale:Demonstratestheimportanceoftakingtheleadinone'slifeandmakingchanges,andtheconnectednessinrelationships.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamilyorindividualwomen.
HowtoMakeanAmericanQuiltPresentingProblem:Difficultieswithintimaterelationships.
Rationale:Confrontsfearanddifficultiesinmaintainingintimacy,committingtoadulthood,andresolvingdifferenceswithone'smother.
RecommendedParticipants:Adolescentandadultwomen.
IlPostino(ThePostman)PresentingProblem:Findingloveandmeaninginone'slife.
Rationale:Abeautiful,poeticmovieaboutthemeaningoflife.
RecommendedParticipants:Adults.
MaritalRelationship[Appendix]5/16/0816BreathingLessonsPresentingProblem:Maritalissuesandissueswithadultchildren.
Rationale:Showsfamilydynamics.
RecommendedParticipants:Oldercoupleswithadultchildren.
FiddlerontheRoofPresentingProblem:Maritalburnoutanddifficultyinthelifespan.
Rationale:Afunmoviethattracksfamily,marriage,andtraditions.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamilyandlaunchingagechildren.
ForgetParisPresentingProblem:Maritalconflict,priorities,time,andcareerversusmarriage.
Rationale:Showshowacouplehavingdifficultymakingtimeforeachotherfailandsucceedintheirrelationship.
RecommendedParticipants:Couples.
[Appendix]FourSeasonsPresentingProblem:Maritalproblems.
Rationale:Demonstratesstrugglesinmarriage.
RecommendedParticipants:Couples.
Parenting/Parent-ChildRelations(seealsoadolescence,intimacyissues,andremarriedfamilies)Bebe'sKids[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Disciplineandparenting.
Rationale:Provideopportunitiestodiscussdifficultsituations.
RecommendedParticipants:Parents.
BreathingLessonsPresentingProblem:Issueswithadultchildrenandmaritalissues.
Rationale:Showsfamilydynamics.
RecommendedParticipants:Oldercouplesandadultchildren.
DeadPoetsSocietyPresentingProblem:Familyrelationalissues.
Rationale:Demonstratesimpactofpowerimbalanceinafamilysystemandhowrigidityinonemembercansendasystemoutofcontrol.
RecommendedParticipants:Parentsandadolescents.
TheGreatSantini[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Father-sonrelationship,changeinfamilystructureandroles,andlifecycle5/16/0817transitions.
Rationale:Displayshowrolesandstructurechangewithfather'sreintegrationintothehomeandhowthefamily'srelationshipschangeastheygothroughdevelopmentaltransitions.
RecommendedParticipants:Familiesandparent-childdyads.
HookPresentingProblem:Peripheralfather.
Rationale:Addressesmen,family,andbalancingworkandfamilyissues.
RecommendedParticipants:Menstrugglingwithpriorities.
ParenthoodPresentingProblem:Parent-childproblemsacrossthefamilylifecycle.
Rationale:Normalizesmanyoftheparent-childproblemsthatfamiliesfaceacrossthefamilylifecycle.
RecommendedParticipants:Families.
We'reHavingaBabyPresentingProblem:Transitiontoparenthood.
Rationale:Illustratesnormaldevelopmentalprocessesinpreparingtohavechildren.
RecommendedParticipants:Couples.
PostTraumaticStressDisorder[Appendix]DownCameaBlackbirdPresentingProblem:PostTraumaticStressDisorder(PTSD)tiedtotortureorpoliticalrepression.
Rationale:Powerfulaccountofsurvivorsoftortureandhealingprocess.
RecommendedParticipants:Survivorsandtheirlovedones.
[Appendix]FearlessPresentingProblem:PTSD.
Rationale:DemonstrateshowPTSDoccursandtheresultingsymptoms,andhowthesymptomscandestroyarelationship.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamilyorindividualwomen.
PowerandControlIssuesWho'sAfraidofVirginiaWoolfPresentingProblem:Familyissuesofpowerandcontrol.
Rationale:Showseffectsofpowerandcontrolissuesonsystems.
RecommendedParticipants:Couples.
Religion[Appendix]Europa,EuropaPresentingProblem:IssuesaroundaJewishidentity.
5/16/0818Rationale:ShowsthestruggleandhardshipanadolescentfacesashetriestohidehisJewishidentityduringtheholocaust.
RecommendedParticipants:Individualyoungadultsandadults.
Schindler'sListPresentingProblem:Transcendingreligiousprejudice,courageunderadversity,andstickingwithone'svaluesevenwhenthreatened.
Rationale:Demonstrateshowpeoplecantranscendprejudicethroughvalueonlifeandhumanness.
RecommendedParticipants:Families(notyoungchildren)andindividuals.
RemarriedFamily[Appendix]Mrs.
DoubtfirePresentingProblem:Step-familyissues.
Rationale:Depictsthestruggleparentswhoaredivorcinghavearoundcustodyissues.
Portraysthedifficultieschildrenexperienceinthissituation.
RecommendedParticipants:Divorcingparents.
OnGoldenPondPresentingProblem:Stepfamiliesanddealingwithaging.
Rationale:Showstheoftentypicalchallengesofstep-familyblendingandaging.
RecommendedParticipants:Familiesandcouples.
UsedPeoplePresentingProblem:Gettingremarriedandtheelderlygettingremarried.
Rationale:Providesahumorous,yetrealistic,lookatwhatcanhappenwhenblendingfamilies,andtheeffectonadultchildrenofthosegettingmarried.
RecommendedParticipants:Families.
SexualAssault[Appendix]TheAccusedPresentingProblem:Sexualassault.
Rationale:Demonstratesthatdespitesociety'softenimpliedmessagethatvictims"asked"tobeassaulted,thatnoonedeservestobeassaulted.
[Appendix]RecommendedParticipants:Victim'sfamily.
SubstanceAbuseBasketballDiariesPresentingProblem:Substanceabuseanddependence.
Rationale:Showsadolescentdrugabuse,cycleofsubstanceabuse,andrecovery.
RecommendedParticipants:Adolescentswithdrugproblemsandtheirfamilies.
LeavingLasVegasPresentingProblem:Alcoholism,coupledynamics,traumatizedindividuals,andintimacyissues.
Rationale:Showstheeffectsofalcoholismoncoupledynamics.
Portraysdisengaged/cutoff5/16/0819relationships,lackofintimacyinrelationships,andpartnerwithtraumaissues.
[Appendix]RecommendedParticipants:Couples.
RichiePresentingProblem:Substanceabuseandparent/childrelationships.
Rationale:Demonstratesnegativeconsequencesofnotaddressingproblemsimmediately.
RecommendedParticipants:Parents.
UndertheinfluencePresentingProblem:Alcoholisminthefamily.
Rationale:Showsalcoholics'maintenanceandfamilydysfunctiondevelopmentandbreakdownofdenial.
RecommendedParticipants:Forfamilysystem.
WhenaManLovesaWomanPresentingProblem:Alcoholismandcodependency.
Rationale:Showseffectsofsubstanceabuseonmarriageandviceversa.
RecommendedParticipants:Adultcoupleswithsubstanceabuse.
ToleranceofDifferences[Appendix](Alsoseechronicillness/physicalandmentalchallenges,religion,andvalues/ethics).
Babe[Appendix]PresentingProblem:Rejection,uniqueness,discrimination,handicap.
Rationale:Punctuatesthevalueofbeinguniqueanddifferent,questionstherulesthatguidethestatusquo,createsthepossibilitythatthosewhomseemtohavenocommongroundmighthavemuchtosharewitheachother.
RecommendedParticipants:Individuals/familiesstrugglingwithdiscrimination(whetherthe"victim"orthe"perpetrator"),familieswithahandicappedmember,largersystemsdealingwithsensitivityissues.
HunchbackofNotreDamePresentingProblem:Dealingwithdifferenceandphysicaldisability.
Rationale:Helpfamiliesandindividualsdealwithdifferencesandespeciallyphysicaldisabilities.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily.
TheJerkPresentingProblem:Feelinglikeyoudon'tfitinortransracialissues.
[Appendix]Rationale:Useshumortodescriberaceproblemsand"fit.
"RecommendedParticipants:Transracialparents.
TransitiontoAdulthood5/16/0820BrightonBeachMemoirPresentingProblem:Familydevelopmentalissues.
Rationale:Goodlookatthedeliverystageofthefamilylifecycle.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily.
TheGraduatePresentingProblem:Issuesofdevelopmentandindependenceversusdependence.
Rationale:Showsayoungadult'sstrugglewiththetransitiontoadulthood.
RecommendedParticipants:Wholefamily.
HowtoMakeanAmericanQuiltPresentingProblem:Difficultiesintransitiontoadulthoodforyoungwomen,difficultieswithintimaterelationships,andmother-daughterrelationships.
Rationale:Confrontsfearanddifficultiesinmaintainingintimacy,committingtoadulthood,andresolvingdifferenceswithoneanother.
RecommendedParticipants:Adolescentandadultwomen.
Values/Ethics[Appendix]AFewGoodMenPresentingProblem:Strugglingwithvaluesoftruthandjustice.
Rationale:Showsthesearchfortruthdespitelurestodootherwise.
RecommendedParticipants:Individualsandfamilies.
PulpFictionPresentingProblem:Valuesandnormalcy.
Rationale:Goodprovokingdiscussionaroundvaluesandnormalcy(themoviedistortsboth).
RecommendedParticipants:Groupsofadolescents.
SabrinaPresentingProblem:Troublefocusingonwhatisreallyimportantinlifeorpeoplewhothinktheydonothavetimeforloveorhappiness.
Rationale:Demonstratesidealism,livinglifetoitsfullest,focusingonhappiness(notjustmoney),overfunctioning/underfunctioning,andthatsometimesnotgettingwhatyouwantisreallyablessing.
RecommendedParticipants:Individuals.
[Appendix]ScentofaWomanPresentingProblem:Peoplestrugglingwithpersonalintegrity.
Rationale:Demonstrateswhathappenstothosewho"sellout"andthosewhodon't.
RecommendedParticipants:Individualswhomaybetryingtorationalizetheirbehavior.
Schindler'sListPresentingProblem:Transcendingreligiousprejudice,courageunderadversity,andstickingwithone'svaluesevenwhenthreatened.
Rationale:Demonstrateshowpeoplecantranscendprejudicethroughvalueonlifeandhumanness.
RecommendedParticipants:Families(notyoungchildren)andindividuals.