The Family Life Cycle and Critical Transitions: Utilizing Cinematherapy to Facilitate Understanding and Increase Communication

Abstract

Transitioning successfully from one stage of development to the next in the family life cycle requires the accomplishment of certain developmental tasks. Couples and families who fail to accomplish these tasks often become “stuck” and unable to move forward. This impasse frequently leads to heightened stress reactions and crippled channels of communication. Counselors working with these couples and families are challenged to help them begin to engage in meaningful conversations about the obstacles faced in achieving developmental tasks and transitioning to the next stage of family development. This article discusses the benefits of utilizing cinematherapy, or the use of motion picture films, when counseling these families. A case example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of cinematherapy.

Keywords:

• family life cycle
• critical transitions
• cinematherapy
• movies
• developmental tasks
• family stages of development
• creativity