Good Intentions, Bad Choices, 3 Part DVD Series

Presenter: Dr Stanton Samenow 

Running Time: 154 minutes

ORDER NUMBER: FMS1500DVD

Includes

1 x Good Intentions, Bad Choices: Part I 
1 x Good Intentions, Bad Choices: Part II 
1 x Good Intentions, Bad Choices: Part III


Research shows that most people who are released from jails and prisons have the most problems in the first year. Those problems are mainly in three areas:

(1) the pressure of not finding or not keeping a job
(2) personal conflicts with family and others
(3) the temptation, or actual use, of alcohol or other drugs

This series looks at the problems we have created for ourselves throughout our lives, and that we face immediately upon release. Does our response to difficulties make them better or worse? How do we trip ourselves up after release, and what can we do about it? Some thoughts lead us into trouble; we call them "errors in thinking." We make these errors not just when we are released - we've been making them our whole lives!

Session 6 of the series deals with the attempt to control others. Errors in thinking such as, "If I'm not in control, I'm a nobody," and, "I make the money, so I'm in control," are looked at. The effect of our control over others can only be damaged relationships and pain for everyone.

DVD 1

Session 1 of the series offers a unique introduction to the thoughts that lead us into trouble called "errors in thinking": two different men are videotaped in the same situation, and their thoughts are recorded to reveal the crucial differences. The first error in thinking, "I'll take a shortcut to make up for lost time," is revealed.

Session 2 centers on relationships. A roleplay between a recently released man and his wife illustrates how unrealistic expectations cause conflicts in relationships: "I deserve some R&R because I just got out of prison," and, "It's all about me."

Session 3 explores the common lack of trust from family members, due to broken promises of the past. The thinking error, "I'm in recovery, so trust me," is discussed. How can we learn to live with a lack of trust from family members and still have positive, loving relationships with them?

Session 4 asks the question, If we respond to the pressures of the first year out of prison with unrealistic expectations, what is the likely result? Anger, fear, loneliness, and ultimately relapse. Relapse prevention techniques are explored.

Session 5 shows us how to use Murphy's Law ("whatever can go wrong, will go wrong") to benefit our relationships, by anticipating problems before they become problems.

DVD 2

Session 7 features a role play of a recently released man who encounters a woman he used to date. The thinking error, "You owe, so do what I want," is analyzed. The wife of a group member shares in an interview, the damaging and painful effects of her husband's controlling behavior.

Session 8 includes a role play and sharing by group members on the idea of playing on a parent's guilt, love, and fear to get what we want. The error in thinking, "If you love me, give me what I want," is looked at.

Session 9 discusses how an attempt to control others can be a signal of the beginning of relapse, as we ride the pleasure of the power and/or feel the pain of hurting others. We need to act fast and have a plan of action to prevent relapse. Various time-tested plans of action are shared by the group.

DVD 3

Session 10 of the series presents a power-charged roleplay of a recently released husband and his wife, revealing an error in thinking: "My point of view is right. Period." What is the result of failing to see another's point of view?

Session 11 looks at coming home from prison and coming back into childrens' and partners' lives, and the thinking errors that can complicate re-entry back into the family system.

Session 12 includes one of the most powerful and thought-provoking segments in the program for the group. A guest speaker, a woman who along with her young daughter was a victim of a violent crime, recounts her chilling experience. She discusses the long-term psychological effects that resonate to this day for both of them, even years later.

Session 13 With a new found compassion for the victim, group members share their experiences as the perpetrator in violent crimes like the one described. They realize for the first time the true impact of their actions on victims like her, whereas before, "I never thought about the victim."

Session 14 looks at conflict resolution by way of empathy. A roleplay illustrate what happens in a romantic relationship when empathy is not used by both partners.

Session 15 contains a review of the three main areas of thinking errors covered in this series, and a general wrap-up.

Renowned expert in criminal thinking, Dr. Stanton Samenow, explores these concepts with a group of ex-offenders who are currently in recovery. Roleplays illustrate the errors in thinking common in re-entry, and inspire discussion for the group. Group members share spontaneous realizations of how their addiction and criminal real-world experiences have been consistently woven with the thinking errors discussed.