Captured for consideration—using videotape as an aid to the treatment of the disturbed child

The use of videotape as a clinical tool to monitor work with children is discussed with reference to a group of three emotionally disturbed children seen weekly in a paediatric assessment and treatment centre. Six particular attributes of videotape are distinguished and illustrated from clinical material: video is a vehicle for discussion; video permits detailed observation; video see things that humans do not; video has a distancing effect; video shares information and video trains in observation and handling techniques. It is suggested that the experience derived from using videotape intensively over a short period can be applied to advantage in other clinical situations.