Videotape applications in training family therapists.

Abstract

The advent of videotape has opened new avenues of development in therapy, training and research, some of which are described as they have been evolving at the Mental Research Institute. Discussion includes man-machine system considerations, e.g., the intimate relationships between the equipment setup and the people and purposes connected with its use. The videotope uses discussed here relate to training and therapy applications. Training applications presented are as follows: 1) taping prior to particular courses, 2) tape libraries, 3) splitting audio and visual channels. 4) “on line” feedback, 5) self-presentation exercises and 6) comparative analysis of an individual's on- and off-stage performance in order to gain perspective on what constitutes authenticity. Therapy applications presented are as follow: 1) early uses, 2) overt rather than covert use of the video controls, 3) variations in the duration and timing of videotape recording and replay in relation to such purposes as recapturing previous moods and consolidating the participants' grasp of changes achieved in therapy, 4) some examples of what patients learn by watching post-session replays and 5) some generalizations about what the therapist may learn from patients' reactions to themselves. A subtle, yet significant feature implicit in the videotape application described is that the trainees themselves may be exposed to a wide variety of ways of using videotape. Increasingly trainees are given explicit exposure as part of their courses to current staff thinking about the uses of videotape in training and therapy. Paying some attention to this area and opening it up as a worthy topic for discussion and demonstration will add to an understanding of how to use videotape and will better equip and encourage trainees to use this powerful medium for therapy and training in their own work settings.