Instructions for Videotaping a Counseling Session

Videotaping a counseling session can have various beneficial results for both the client and the counselor. Many clinical supervisors will require that trainees videotape some sessions with their clients to be brought into supervision and evaluated. This will help the supervisor get a sense of the trainees strengths and weaknesses, and help the trainee to improve her therapeutic capabilities. On occasion, some clients may request that a session be videotaped to help him gain insight into specific reactions he may be having.

Things You'll Need

• Tripod
• Video camera
• Microphone (may be built into camera)
• Consent form

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your client if he would be receptive to the idea of having a session or a series of sessions videotaped if this is part of your supervision process. If he declines, state that you understand and simply move on with the session. If he agrees, use your perception and empathy to gauge whether the client is actually comfortable with the idea or simply being agreeable. Move forward if you are certain the client is comfortable with the idea.

• 2

  Inform your client of all the details regarding the videotaping of the session. Let the client know who will be viewing the video and how it will be used. This could mean informing her that it will be viewed only by yourself, your supervisor and possibly other supervisors in your group supervision. Reassure your client that the video will deleted and let her know when this will happen (after it is used in supervision, at the end of the term, etc.).

• 3

  Give your client an "Informed Consent to Videotape" agreement, which will cover all of the terms and conditions of the videotaping. This form should include statements such as "I am aware that I am under no obligation to have my sessions videotaped" or "Only my first name will be used in association with the video of my session." Allow your client to review the agreement and return it to you with his signature and date. This form should also require the signature of the guardian if the individual is under 18 years of age, as well as the signature of you and your supervisor.

• 4

  Get a confirmation from the client the day before the session to make sure that she is still fine with having the upcoming session videotaped. If certain sensitive information has become relevant to her in the past week (such as illegal drug use), she may opt to hold off on the videotaping until a later date.

• 5

  Set up the tripod and video camera in the corner of the room before the session, positioning the camera so that it will capture the images and sound of both you and the client. Make sure that the seating is positioned so that the camera is facing away from the windows. Having the camera pointed toward the windows can overexpose the image and make it difficult to see facial expressions. Test the video and audio before the session, making sure that the sound and image come out clear.

• 6

  Make note of the video camera at the beginning of the session, and ask that your client does his best to ignore it. This is usually not a problem, as most people will forget about its presence within a few minutes. When the session is over and the client leaves, press "stop" on the video camera.

• 7

  Erase the video once it is done being reviewed by yourself and your supervisor, or once you have provided a copy at your client's request. As a counselor, you are responsible for this highly confidential media, and the leaking of the video could potentially lead to a lawsuit and the loss of your license if the client were inclined to sue. Make sure that the file is deleted from the camera, the memory card and the computer it may have been uploaded to, then delete it from the computer's recycle bin. If a cassette tape was used, use a magnetic tape eraser to permanently erase any residue on the film.