How do parents of children with communication difficulties experience video interaction guidance? A practitioner research project

Abstract

This practitioner research article sought to provide an interpretation of the parental experience of video interaction guidance (VIG). Two mothers and one grandmother participated in one cycle of VIG and one interview about their experiences. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings indicated that parents valued the opportunity to use video to reflect on their interaction skills. They felt empowered to use their learning to develop relationships with their children. Questions emerged about parents’ experiences of control and feeling judged during VIG. Participants’ felt VIG involved some judgement of their parenting skills and their children’s communication skills. This is discussed within the wider socio-cultural context of practitioner–client relationships. The article highlighted implications for VIG practitioners to be honest about their positions and mindful of the feelings of the clients they support. Understanding of the function of the relationship between the guider and the VIG client was identified as an area for future research.