LenetteIf I were to ask you to think of a childhood movie that you remember with fondness, what would that be…?
I would have to answer that my affinity would definitely be with animated movies! I always had a fascination with Disney/Pixar or any animated series. I can clearly recall as a young child going to my first big screen theater experience which was Disney’s “Snow White and the seven dwarfs” with my best friend. It had a profound impact on me and for months afterwards I would still be humming the tunes and playing out the scenes with my friend. As a mother I also observe my own children and notice the wonderment, excitement and imagination that watching an animated movie have on them. Walt Disney stated that “Animation offers a medium of storytelling and visual entertainment which can bring pleasure and information to people of all ages everywhere in the world”. This ring true as I still enjoy a good animated movie on the days when I need a lift!
“Life, Animated” by Ron Suskind is the story of how a family with an autistic son reconnected and grew together through their son’s affinity for animation. There are also studies done where Speech Therapists are using short 30-40 second segments of speech to teach language to learners with autism and learning difficulties. This inspired me to do more research into using Animation affinity more effectively. As a therapist I found that the children I am working with also expressed a love for animation and using their specific animated movie as a vehicle for therapeutic intervention was very successful. Animated movies capture not only the imagination of individuals but it also conveys a powerful message of important issues in society. Using the different elements such as visual; verbal/creative; music and movement that an animated movie consists of the therapist can utilize it for positive change. A visual description of how I categorize it is outlined below:
As an example here are some quotes from Disney characters which inspire and are used in therapy in conjunction with Solution Focused Therapy.
- “Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it.” –Rapunzel (Tangled)
- “All it takes is faith and trust.” — Peter Pan (Peter Pan)
- “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” — Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh)
- “Even miracles take a little time.” — Fairy Godmother (Cinderella)
- “If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead.” — Gusteau (Ratatouille)
- “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” — The Emperor (Mulan)
- “You control your destiny — you don’t need magic to do it. And there are no magical shortcuts to solving your problems.” — Merida (Brave)
- “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.” — Zeus (Hercules)
- “Don’t just fly, soar.” — Dumbo (Dumbo)
- “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” — Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins)
- “Life’s not a spectator sport. If watchin’ is all you’re gonna do, then you’re gonna watch your life go by without you” — Laverne (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
- “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.” — Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)
- “Believe you can, then you will.” — Mulan (Princess Stories)
- “Today is a good day to try.” — Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
- “If you don’t know where you want to go, then it doesn’t matter which path you take.” — The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland)
- “The things that make me different are the things that make me ME.” — Piglet (Winnie the Pooh)
- “It’s better to use your head than break your back.” — Ernst Robinson (Swiss Family Robinson)
- “Admit defeat, and defeat will surely admit you into permanent custody.” — Beret Girl (An Extremely Goofy Movie)
- “Listen with your heart, you will understand.” — Grandmother Willow (Pocahontas)
- “Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it.” — Elastigirl (The Incredibles)
- “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” — Rafiki (The Lion King)
- “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Winnie the Pooh (Pooh’s Most Grand Adventure)
- “If you don’t think, then you shouldn’t talk.” — March Hare (Alice in Wonderland)
- “Our fate lives within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it.” — Merida (Brave)
- “I’m only brave when I have to be. Being brave doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble.” — Mufasa (The Lion King)
- “Always let your conscience be your guide.” — The Blue Fairy (Pinocchio)
- “I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it.” — Alice (Alice in Wonderland)
- “Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own.” — Donald Duck
- “Just because it’s what’s done, doesn’t mean it’s what should be done.” — Cinderella (Cinderella)
- “Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.” — Grandmother Willow (Pocahontas)
- “Change is good.” — Rafiki (The Lion King)
- “The only thing predictable about life is its unpredictability.” — Remy (Ratatouille)
- “Remember, you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.” — Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
- “Do not be followed by its commonplace appearance. Like so many things, it is not what is outside, but what is inside that counts.” — Merchant (Aladdin)