Heather L. Rutherford's War Room: Movie Review

Movie Review of “WAR ROOM” Review By: Heather L. Rutherford PACO 615 Marriage and Family Counseling, Liberty University.

Author Note: Heather L. Rutherford I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Heather L. Rutherford. Email: [e-mail] “WAR ROOM” The Review The beginning of the movie (Kendrick,2015) has the narrator defining war, “as a part of humanity in every age, fighting for power, for riches, for rights or freedom there has always been something to fight for.” Further stating “that behind every field of battle, there has always been a strategy this being a vital part of this process.” Reflecting on how marriage is like war, with each battle

This display of emotional outburst stems from the hurt and pain that her marriage is experiencing. Her husband, who is supposed to be supportive and care for her, now views her as her enemy because she cannot change him. She is not fighting for her marriage, but against it. As a counselor, utilizing empathic listening will require the ability to listen and look for non-verbal and verbal cues in both Anthony and Beth. Also understand the messages that both are sharing and respond and ask questions to clarify if something is misunderstood (Morris, 2014). The use of compassionate listening will also be key with both because they need encouragement and hope (Rehling, 2008). In other scenes both partners criticize each other with verbal attacks on each other’s character, then they each get defensive, and during one conflict when it comes to giving money to Beth’s sister Anthony presents with contempt, and he withdraws from the relationship (Moitinho & Moitinho, 2020, p. 84-85). These

When conflict arises, the couple needs to engage in a “softened start-up where they address their feelings, opinions, thoughts, and emotions in a more neutral, less accusing manner” (Gottman et al., 2006, p. 180). Furthermore, each person needs to address what they need from the others as they are mindful of the needs of their spouse (Gottman et al., 2006, p. 181). Couples need to learn how to communicate more effectively, by not interpreting each other, and thinking about how to respond, checking out of the conversation, and going off-topic while one spouse is speaking (Moitinho & Moitinho, 2020, p. 87). Additionally, there is a need to be mindful of the other's presence, this may include being reintroduced to positive eye contact, not eye-rolling, but really looking at each other, being self-aware of their personal non-verbal cues while the other is speaking, being fully present, avoiding outside distractions, and by giving encouragement and understanding (Moitinho & Moitinho, 2020, p. 88). The power of prayer in a relationship is vital to the outcome, prayer provides hope for the relationship, and hope for the future (Ripley & Worthington Jr,