I have two types of movie going experiences. The first involves movies that capture my attention fully but which I often forget the next day. The second are those films…
THE FLORIDA PROJECT — A LOOK AT AMERICA’S UNDERBELLY
WHY MOVIES ARE GREAT FOR TEACHING
I am a couple counselor who loves movies. I consider myself lucky to be able to bring my passion for film into my work as a therapist and educator. I…
WHAT CAN CAMERON DIAZ TEACH US ABOUT MARRIAGE?
Well, forgive me for sensationalizing the heading. A more accurate, but less captivating title, might read: what can Cameron Diaz and Jason Segal teach us about marriage, and in particular…
CINDERELLA — THE EPITOME OF A NON-ANXIOUS PRESENCE
I was delighted to take my 12 year old daughter, Natalie, and her best friend Olivia to see this splendid movie. I had heard good things about it from a…
AMERICAN SNIPER — A TALE WITHIN A TALE
In the past ten years my private practice of couple therapy has changed in dramatic ways. One of these changes has to do with the frequency with which I treat…
BOYHOOD — A FILM FOR THE AGES
In his remarkable film Boyhood, director Richard Linklater follows a family over 12 years. Linklater filmed in six month increments so we actually see the actors slowly age in real…
THE IMITATION GAME — ASPERGER SYNDROME, EMPATHY AND SAME-SEX ATTRACTION
The Imitation Game is one of my favorite movies of 2014. I found it riveting from beginning to end. As many of you undoubtably know, the movie tells the story…
GONE GIRL — THE PERFECT HALLOWEEN COUPLES’ MOVIE
In reviewing last year’s relationship-oriented Hollywood movies, there is one that stands out as the perfect Halloween film, namely Gone Girl based on the best-seller by Gillian Flynn. The movie…
WHEN IT COMES TO RELATIONSHIPS — SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE!
Relationship therapists usually counsel couples to do more: communicate more, have sex more often (with more variety, as well) and have more frequent date nights. But are there times in…
AND MY FAVORITE MARRIAGE MOVIE IS…
Hi there. Welcome to my blog on relationships and movies. On these pages, I will showcase contemporary films that shine a light on the psychological dynamics of relationships, be they…