Problems in the use of video recordings in training for psychotherapy

In Britain, personnel of the state psychiatric service provide many forms of psychotherapy, to very many people. To train psychologists, psychiatrists and other professionals is therefore a large-scale task. To simplify and economize on this task, teaching methods are sought which attempt to provide the trainee with models of behaviour (towards the patient) which are efficacious. This paper offers a discussion of some theoretical and practical problems involved in this approach, which may affect both the therapeutic task and the development of the therapist.