Movie Therapy

“See me before you need me.” Dave Jenkins, DMin, LMFT

540-300-1973

Movie Examples 17 Again – Second chances and priorities

Courageous – Standing on principles

Fire Proof – Rekindling love even when it’s not reciprocated

Hope Floats – Starting over and loving again

Hope Springs – Aging relationship and rekindling sex

Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner – Self validation and self-determination even at the risk of family

rejection

Mr. & Mrs. Smith – Secrets and self disclosure

My Big Fat Greek Wedding – Family, in-laws, and cultural differences

The Notebook – If I lost my memory of you, would you still love me?

Not Easily Broken – Staying committed

Pieces of April – Believing in yourself even if your family doesn’t

Real Women Have Curves – Self-validation and self-determination even at the risk of family

rejection; following your own dreams

Sweet Home Alabama – When you think you’re someone you’re not

Shall We Dance – Overcoming boredom and complacency

True Lies – Finding excitement again

What If – Finding new beginnings

When Harry Met Sally – Sometimes love is right in front of you

Why Did I Get Married – Four different types of marriages

Why Did I Get Married Too – The results of holding back and trying to appear perfect

Movie Therapy

“See me before you need me.” Dave Jenkins, DMin, LMFT

540-300-1973

Movie Questions 1. What are the primary problems of the main characters?

2. How do the characters relate to each other?

3. What is the character’s self-image and self-esteem?

4. How does s/he blame others?

5. What are the expectations and values of the characters?

6. How does s/he criticize, judge or have contempt for others?

7. How does s/he begin to own their reactions and turn them into responses?

8. How does s/he learn to forgive others as well as self?

9. When do the characters learn to be comfortable living in their own skin?

10. What was the turning point for the characters?

11. How does this theme apply to your life?

12. Which character do you most relate to?

13. How did the characters display their relationship anxiety?

Movie Therapy

“See me before you need me.” Dave Jenkins, DMin, LMFT

540-300-1973

Personal Reflections 1. How do you display your relationship anxiety?

2. Who do you hold responsible for soothing you?

3. How do you SELF-soothe?

4. How do you react to the characters in your life?

5. How do you blame others for the state of your life?

6. What can you do to take charge of your reactions and life?

7. How do you express humility and grant grace?

8. How do you become comfortable living in your own skin?

9. What kinds of conditions do you put on your love?

10. How do you forgive others that do not live up to your expectations?

11. What if others never live up to your expectations or refuse to meet them?

12. What can you do to write the rest of your story?

13. What makes your marriage different and special?