Mulit-Media Guidelines

Guidelines for Reel Life

Are you consciously aware of what you are watching?

Do you discover symbolism and personal insights from your movie experience?

*Note: If you are a therapist make sure that you watch the film before you suggest it to your client(s). Only you know your client and what he or she can handle emotionally or what is or is not suitable. If you are working with a child or teen under 21 consult with his or her parents and gain permission before recommending the movie.

Breathe. Take 3 deep breaths in through your nose, hold to a count of 1-2-3. Slowly release through your mouth.

Light stretching is good.

Just like at the movies turn your cell phones off, give your dog a bone, and make sure that you are not disturbed for the length of the movie.

Sit in a comfy spot, with a beverage, and have a box of tissues handy. Popcorn and mood lighting is optional.

We recommend watching the film alone if you are seeking therapeutic benefits. A quiet dog or lap cat is acceptable and therapeutic.

We are experts at infusing the correct creative therapies into our coaching sessions. Please note that these are general picks. We do not know you or your personal situation. So please choose at your own discretion. Please watch only with your parents permission if you are under age.

We do not show film clips due to copyright laws. We prefer to use easily available and reasonably priced films from Netflix which also offers rating guidelines and "watch instantly" features. We do periodically show clips from You Tube.

This is where we will share our picks for general self help movies and other mediums. We will also provide guidelines for how to get the most insight from a film.

How did the movie make you feel?

Did you love the movie, hate it, or just didn't care one way or the other?

Which character did you identify with? Did you see friends or protagonists in the film that resemble your real life?

Were their certain characters that you would like to role model?

Did a character do something that you would like to do but can't or won't? Explain why or why not.

Did you discover occupations or hobbies that looked appealing?

Were their any parts that you had to squint your eyes and cover your ears? Perhaps, even leave the room or stop watching all together?

Were there any parts that made you laugh out loud? Did it hit a nerve?

Did a scene seem familiar as if it could be a repressed memory?

Did you find yourself crying or having a new thought?

Write down your answers and don't forget to breathe. Many stationary stores actually sell designer journals just for the movies.

Remember that sometimes the insight gained is more important than whether or not you generally enjoyed the film.

Tell us your story through the contact form. We'd appreciate hearing from you.

Authors note: Portions of the above are based on Sinetar, Marsha (1993) Reel Power & Spiritual Growth Through Film. Ligouri, MO: Triumph Books and © 2002-2008 Birgit Wolz.

On a personal note: We are not earning any commissions or money for recommending books or films. I wanted visitors to know and trust that these are books and films that we believe are truly life changing and enhance creativity.