Pulling the punches

Description

This film provides an intimate view of one man s therapeutic journey to control his abusive behavior towards his wife. In a men's therapy center he de-velops strong bonds that support him through the painful process of change. Michael is a man trying to understand and control the violent outbursts that have destroyed his marriage. He so viciously attacked his wife that he broke her nose and left her covered with cuts and bruises. Bernice had been beaten up before but this time she called the police. Michael was sentenced to two years probation and therapy at the Everyman's Center in London. The camera goes inside the Center to record Michael's emotional interaction with his counselor. Luke, his therapist, first helps Michael deal with his guilt feelings and encourages him to explore childhood memories. Michael weeps as he recalls his father's attacks against his mother. Luke engages him in hand-to-hand combat, urging him to express the rage locked up inside. Although Michael is making progress, Bernice may never trust him again.

Runtime

25 min

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

1994

Database

Alexander Street

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