additionally, they are able to relive the message of the story each time they view it. My grandson
would literally be hopping from foot to foot with excitement as we showed the tape to other family
members.
PUPPETS, DOLLS, AND TOYS AS METAPHORCath, the astute mother of ten-year-old Tim, recently told me a nice, illustrative story of how she
used a toy metaphorically. Tim was a keen and capable young soccer player, but after his team lost the
TOOLS & TECHNIQUESTools and Techniques 35
Ta b le 3.2 Some Examples of Movies as Metaphor
Therapeutic CharacteristicsMovie Title Problems Addressed Resources Developed Outcomes Offered
A Bug’s Life Intimidation Building strengths Courage
Self-doubts Coping with challenge Leadership
Toy Story 2 Temptation Valuing options Joyfulness
Indecisiveness Making decisions Acceptance
Finding Nemo Rebelliousness Accepting help Self-confidence
Loneliness Making friends Family values
Fear Becoming brave Problem-solving
The Lion King Death Self-reliance Confidence
Loss Happiness Self-esteem
Grief Courage
The Never-Ending Story Bullying Personal resources Inner hero
Unhappiness Courage Happiness
Babe Self-doubt Accepting support Achievement
Uncertainty Persistence Winning against odds
Belief in self
Watership Down Fear Facing fears Arriving at goal
Distress Overcoming obstacles Success
The Emperor’s New Groove Arrogance Kindness Better self
Lack of care Gentleness
The Wizard of Oz Being in an Self-reliance Acceptance
unwanted place Problem solving Confidence
Insecurity Making friends
Harry Potter (series) Personal challenges Friendships Good triumphs
Unexpected crises Problem solving
Spiderman Disability Using your strengths Confidence
Feeling different Gaining acceptance Helping others
The Hulk Uncontrolled anger Managing anger Productive use of energy
Discovering love Self-worth
October Sky Being different Maintaining focus Achievement
Non-acceptance Coping with failure Acceptance