NONCONFRONTIVE USE OF VIDEO PLAYBACK TO PROMOTE CHANGE IN BRIEF FAMILY THERAPY*

This paper describes a nonconfrontive use of video playback in brief family therapy. Replaying critical transactions from previous sessions, while maintaining a neutral and nonconfrontive therapeutic stance, encourages an atmosphere which is conducive to change. The technique allows family members to reexperience their own interactional patterns in a nonthreatening manner, enabling them to consider the meanings they attach to their family experience in different and productive ways.