Cinematherapy Saturday – An intensive day long experience utilizing film clips to stimulate discussion and insight. By using movie segments to stimulate discussion and insight, couples will learn how to: cultivate positive regard, de-escalate fights, increase ability to identify and convey emotion, practice relationship repair and strengthen connection. As part of the retreat package, couples will meet with Dr. Alexander for one hour prior to the weekend in order to assess readiness and then will meet one time following the retreat for follow up.
GOAL: To use clips from movies to stimulate insight and discussion about important couple issues such as: positive regard, attachment, communication, conflict resolution, apology and commitment.
RATIONALE: Movies provide an excellent way for couples to “learn by seeing” and also to facilitate discussion since the couple can move from a “safe” discussion of what is observed on the screen to what is happening in their own lives.
METHOD: A clip will be watched and participants will be provided legal pads to write their observations. Specific trigger questions for each clip will be provided and the discussion should focus on those after the general questions below are answered:
What did you see?
What did you feel?
How did you observe?
What can you apply to your relationship?