The Woodsman

The movie The Woodsman stars, Kevin Bacon who is released from prison after serving twelve years for child molestation.  Bacon’s character, Walter faces many challenges as he attempts to adjust to his life after prison.  Walter is faced with a multiple high risk factors that put him in danger of relapsing.  Relapse prevention can be challenging and requires letting go of self-destructive behaviors and learning healthy coping skills to avoid relapse.

 

Walter’s first and most obvious temptation is his apartment is next to a school, he responds to this temptation by watching the children out of his window. He utilizes the process of journaling as a healthy coping skill. He is able to express his thoughts on paper that he may never be able to share with anyone else.  Walter lacks a nurturing support system which increases his risk for relapse. Walter is again at a high risk for relapse because his friends and family have abandoned him.  Walter is also treated with talked down to and belittled by the police. Walter often stated in the movie, he wanted to “be normal” these statements may reflect that Walter has a low self-esteem increasing the probability of self-destructive thinking.  For example, When Walter feels judged by others he places himself in greater jeopardy of relapsing by selecting a victim and following her to the park. He then proceeds to groom her. Walter is obviously stressed when he leaves his place of employment and goes to the park. This is an example of how when people are stressed they revert back to their negative coping unless they have learnt and implemented   healthy coping skills.  In order to decrease his threats of relapse a healthy coping strategy for Walter would be to find a support group.

 A classic theme seen in relapse is the unhealthy thinking and minimizing the magnitude of the offense.  Walter increases his risk for reverting back to his old behavior by justifying his actions. In the move he tells Vicki, “It’s not what you think , I never hurt them, never. Complete honesty is essential. In the book 12 Stupid Things that Mess Up Recovery, Allen Berger, Ph.D. elaborates that to develop a strong recovery one must discuss even the most difficult topic and let go of secrets.

 Walter also had some positive and supportive factors after his release from prison that can decrease the be instrumental in revering relapse.  For instance he has his own living accommodation and employment, which adds to his impendence and self worth. He also attended therapy and even though he may have appeared angry initially it was evident that he later implemented some of the skills suggested by his therapist. Finally opening up to Vicky and developing an adult relationship was a step forward in a positive direction.

 The key messages in this film can be applied to anyone facing recovery and potential for relapse.   The movie emphasized that everyone needs to be treated with respect, have key nonjudgmental supports. Continuing therapy and learning new coping skills are also essential.  Keeping in mind that a persons behavior is separate from the person was there  any point in the movie in which you had empathy for Walter?

 

 

 

 

 

Movie Monday-The Rape of Richard Beck

The 1985 TV movie, the Rape of Richard Beck starring Richard Creena features a macho detective who is insensitive and portrays distorted believes that the victims of sexual assault bring this tragic act on themselves. The viewer is able to see Richard’s attitude transformed after he himself is the recipient of this horrific act of violence. Initially Richard has a tough , cold and indifferent attitude toward the victims. For example, he said” Can you tell me what she was doing down there?” and could you tell me who would want to rape her? He also minimized the rape by calling it “Mickey Mouse” stuff and letting a potential rapist go as a trade off for information to find a murder suspect. Beck invaded the victim’s boundaries by dragging the patient away from the phone booth when she was in obvious shock and trauma. He also failed to protect the victims’ dignity by understanding why it is important to provide the victim privacy while the nurse collects the evidence. The victim has already been humiliated and demoralized. Victims of sexual assault often find it difficult to face their perpetrator and need to be given time and space.  Beck was insistent with moving forward with the rape cases.

Beck received similar treatment when the roles were reversed and he was the victim.  He was revictimized by the police when they insisted he identify the assailants right away. The police were only focused on getting the report and neglected to understand the situation was more than a “process”, the traumatic event that no human would ever wish for.

 Rape doesn’t only affect the victim, but the family and love ones are also affected. For example, Richard’s father wasn’t able to cope with the rape of his son, especially since he is male and raped by two men. As a result of his inability to cope he blamed the rape on Richard.

 

There is no “typical” response of a victim of sexual assault, but throughout the movie we were able to visual Beck going through some of the experiences of Rape Trauma Syndrome.  During the initial or acute phases of the incident Beck was obsessive about bathing and experienced the physical symptoms of vomiting. Survivors may latter appear to have resumed their “normal” life, but minimize the event by not wanting to talk about it or experience difficult mood swings. We saw Beck encounter serve mood swings and even violence with this girlfriend.

 

When dealing with victims of sexual assault it is vital to understand that the reactions are individual.  How can you help someone who may have been a victim?

·         Give them time; let them tell you what they want to at their own time and pace.

·         You can’t erase the injury, but you can be non judgmental and supportive.

·         Don’t let your own fears and concerns interfere with supporting the victim

·         Seek counseling for you and the victim

·         Be patient with your partner when reengaging in sexual encounters

 

 

 

Movie Monday- Hitch

 

 

 In the romantic comedy Hitch, Will Smith stars as the professional date doctor known as “Hitch”. Hitch teaches his male clients to “catch” the girl of their dreams. Hitch developed his dating “rules” and business as a result of a failed relationship in college. The girl of his dreams breaks up with him, because he is perceived as trying too hard and being needy. Establishing the dating business is essentially a defense mechanism allowing Hitch to protect himself from suffering the hurt and vulnerability again of his college breakup. By helping people establishing relationships he is able to avoid his feelings and risk getting hurt. The movie focuses on Hitch’s experiences with his nerdy client, Albert as he teaches him to woo corporate millionaire Alegra Cole. Hitches MO (mood of operation) is to present himself as Mr. Cool J, as a front, but deep down he has the same insecurities and fears of starting a new relationship.  Hitch becomes mesmerized with gossip columnist Sara, but quickly figures out that his rules (proper body language and not trying too hard) don’t work on her. Hitch is initially unable to used his own strategies and muster up the courage to proclaim his love for Sara. In the meantime Sara uncovers that Hitch is the “date doctor” and is adamant to blow his cover because she believes he is responsible for helping a client to set up a one night stand with her friend. The news that Hitch is the “date doctor” almost also destroys the new found relationship between Albert and Alegra. Eventually he is able to reconcile with Sara and Alergra reveals the things that made her fall for Albert are not the tricks that Hitch taught Albert, but all of his own special nuances. At the conclusion of the movie, Hitch realizes that most of his clients have won their partners love on their own and not by following Hitch’s advice.

There are several lessons that can be taken from the movie. Yes, defense mechanisms can initially protect us from fear and anxiety, but in the long run they can isolate us from fully experiencing life. For example, by thrusting all of his energy into helping others meet their match Hitch, may have potentially missed out on finding a loving endearing relationship. The other lesson is to always be yourself.  Hitch learned begin to understand this when he figured out Algera fell for the “real” Alex, not by following the rules Hitch had taught him. Go forth, be you and let down your guard!
 
Carpe Diem,

 

Dream Coach, LT. Valerie R. Vestal