Conclusion
It is important to keep in mind that confrontation with psychotic inpatients, with alcoholics, with couples, with marathon or sensitivity training groups or with patients in private practice has different as well as similar indications and may produce different as well as similar reactions and long-term results.
I must state unequivocally my belief that confrontation alone is not enough to bring about the kind of characterological change and growth which is the usual goal of psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy. Almost any confrontation can be accepted and assimilated to some degree if a patient is prepared for the work of psychotherapy, is in a state of positive transference to his therapist or group and there is enough mutuality, caring, regard, trust and intimacy present.
There is a sense of unanimity amongst workers who utilize video confrontation that through this experience insight can be heightened; multilevel and multichannel communications can be clarified; people can learn more of what is unknown about themselves but which is known to others; attitudes, roles and behavioral patterns can often be modified by increasing the variety and depth of information patients can obtain about themselves in relationship with their environment; and self-images and concepts can be clarified and frequently altered as individuals move toward a clearer sense of their own identity.
The development of video facilities for immediate and later confrontations with one's own self-image alone or in interaction with others is a milestone in the evolution of psychotherapy. A new depth of exploration and self-knowledge has become available to help us expand our intrapsychic and interpersonal frontiers.
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Milton M. Berger, M.D., is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Faculty, American Institute for Psychoanalysis.
This is a revised version of Chapter 2 entitled, “Confrontation Through Videotape” inVideotape Techniques in Psychiatric Training and Treatment, Berger, M.M. (Ed.) New York: Brunner/Mazel, 1970.
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Berger, M.M. Self-confrontation through video. Am J Psychoanal 31, 48–58 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01872309
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01872309