In the process of supervision in the world of Psychotherapy, audio-video recordings function as a kind of high-resolution “rearview mirror”: we can always return to the pure reality of the session, without the filters – sometimes kind, sometimes selective – of memory. Over time, I have had the opportunity to send and receive many video recordings for supervision evaluations. Some of them helped me to easily understand the therapeutic process, while others — unfortunately — were more difficult to evaluate, due to technical difficulties that could have been easily prevented.
From this two sided experience, both as a supervisor and a supervisee, I felt the need to gather some simple and accessible recommendations for colleagues who are preparing to video record a therapy session for evaluation. This article is not addressed to those with studios or technical knowledge (they already manage), but precisely to those who ask themselves: “How can I make a good, clear video, with what I have at hand?”
The goal is not to make an artistic video, but a clear, legible, intelligible one — one that allows the supervisor to follow the interaction and verbal content in good conditions . The tone of voice in these sessions can vary greatly: sometimes it can be energetic, sometimes it becomes a faint, quiet whisper — especially in moments of inner work, of reflection. If these nuances are lost in the recording, the evaluation also suffers.
Also, keep in mind that in some sessions, “chair play” (the movement, placement, and active use of chairs) is an integral part of the intervention — and the filming should take this into account, allowing for the fluent tracking of this process.
Let’s start with the two big categories that make the difference between an “ok” and a “professionally usable” video.
1. Light — your number one ally
If you had to choose one thing to focus on, it would have to be lighting. A modest camera can produce very good results if the scene is well lit. Conversely, even the most powerful camera won’t work wonders in a poorly lit room.
Essential tips:
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Invest in light, not in the camera. Even with a regular phone you can get great results if you have enough light.
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Beware of “flickering” light. Some LED bulbs can produce streaks or a “flickering” effect, especially if their frequency is not compatible with the camera’s frame rate. Look for LEDs that are marked as flicker-free or have a frequency of at least 100–120Hz . Alternatively, you can use incandescent or halogen bulbs, which have a constant light.
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Use a few light sources:
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one for the background , which illuminates the back wall and provides depth
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one or two for the characters, and position them on the side or slightly above, this avoids strong shadows on the face
- Alternatively, you can try to forgo the background light and use the two lights to optimally illuminate the two areas of visual interest.
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Be careful with lights placement. If you know you’ll be crossing the frame or moving chairs, position the lights from the start so that you don’t accidentally block them as you move through the frame. Sudden shadows can seriously disrupt the image.
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Natural doesn’t mean stable. Natural light can be beautiful, but it’s unpredictable. A cloud or a change in weather can radically change the ambiance over the course of a 50-minute session. Ideally, rely more on constant artificial light sources.
2. Sound — the difference between “you can hear something” and “you can understand it well”
Sound is essential in evaluating a session. If the evaluator does not understand what is being said, neither the tone, nor the technique, nor the process can be analyzed correctly.
Essential tips:
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The phone is OK. If you’re recording with your phone, turn on the noise canceling feature (if available). Test it first — and avoid background noise: traffic, neighbors, notifications. A closed window can add a lot of ambient quiet.
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Ideal: external microphone. A centrally placed omnidirectional microphone will dramatically improve voice clarity. It can be discreetly hidden among plants or decorations, or, why not, left in plain sight.
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Even better: lavaliers. If you can, use wireless lavaliers — one for you, one/two for the other participant(s). These transmit sound directly to the camera or phone, with superior clarity. Don’t worry if the final result comes with separate video and audio files, they can easily be merged later.
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Noises from furniture. Choose stable, non-squeaky pieces. If you use chairs that move during the session (which can be part of the method!), stick felt pads under their legs. It helps a lot with keeping moving them quieter.
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Reduce echo. If you’re filming in an empty room, your voice can sound “tunnel-like.” Rugs, curtains, books, or textiles in the room help create friendlier acoustics.
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Test everything. Try it out for a few minutes, in real-world conditions, and listen with headphones. If you have to turn the volume up to maximum to understand what’s being said, something needs to be adjusted.
Instead of a conclusion
Making a good video is not a luxury, but a form of respect for the process — and for the colleague who will analyze it. You don’t need expensive equipment, but attention, planning, and a few details that do matter.
These suggestions come from both my experience as a supervisee and from the perspective of a supervisor who, over the years, has been put in the position of evaluating footage shot under difficult conditions. With a little effort, we can make the process clearer, more honest, and more efficient for everyone.
However, everything is based on an essential ethical pillar: the client’s informed consent . Before pressing “record”, the therapist must clearly explain why the recording is being made, who will see it, for how long it will be kept and how it can be deleted upon request, and all of this is put down on paper, with a signature at the end. If the person prefers only audio or requests a blurring of the face, the option is respected without hesitation. The material remains strictly for supervision; any other use – presentation, research, training – requires a separate agreement. Strong passwords, encryption and storage in a secure space keep confidentiality under lock and key, and compliance with GDPR is not a bureaucratic whim, but the guarantee that the client’s rights and the integrity of the practice remain intact. With professional rigor, a touch of humor and the “play” button used responsibly, recordings become one of the most powerful growth engines for the therapist, supervisor and, above all, for the quality of the therapeutic act.