Policy for use as a therapeutic tool–initiated by your therapist
Our policy is to start with a signed agreement. We use videotape feedback as a key tool in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. This helps support the work you do in therapy. We may videotape specific dialogues, exercises, or even entire sessions. During sessions, we will review these tapes together. This lets you see patterns in your behavior and helps you process conflicts. Watching the videotape allows us to pause and discuss better ways to handle conflict. It also shows your progress as your relationship grows stronger and more fulfilling.
With your consent, your therapist may use the videotape to get consultation from Drs. John or Julie Gottman or a senior clinician at the Gottman Institute. This could happen during treatment or later for peer review, education, or quality assurance. Before any consultation, we can arrange a session if you want to review the tapes. Copies might be sent to the Gottman Institute for these purposes. During this process, your name will stay confidential. Additionally, all discussions in consultations will remain private within the Gottman Institute clinical staff. The materials will stay in locked facilities until they are no longer needed, and then they will be destroyed.
The therapist will not use the videotapes for any other purpose without your written permission. They will erase the recordings when no longer needed. These tapes are the property of the therapist. If they are not required for consultation, they will be destroyed right after the session.
An adjunct to therapy–initiated by the client
Having a record of your psychotherapy sessions can be helpful. Most people take written notes, but audio or video recordings are also an option. If you want to record your sessions, you must talk to your therapist first. Keep in mind, there are risks. Anyone who can access your recording device might also access the content on it. If you decide to make audio or video recordings, your therapist will discuss the risks with you to ensure you make an informed decision for your situation.
