A strengths-based approach to supporting relationships and communication

Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) is an evidence-based intervention that uses short video recordings of everyday interactions to help people recognise and build upon successful moments of communication and connection.

Rather than focusing primarily on difficulties, VIG supports people to identify what is already working well within their relationships and interactions. By understanding these strengths, individuals can develop greater confidence, insight and understanding.

Video Interaction Guidance can be used with parents, carers, children, young people and professionals across a range of settings.

What is Video Interaction Guidance?

Video Interaction Guidance, often referred to as VIG, is a strengths-based intervention that uses video recordings to support reflection and positive change.

The process involves recording short, everyday interactions and reviewing carefully selected clips with a trained practitioner.

The focus is not on analysing mistakes or identifying what has gone wrong. Instead, attention is given to moments where communication, connection and understanding are already taking place.

Through guided reflection, people are supported to recognise these moments and consider how they can build upon them within their relationships and everyday interactions.

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Who can benefit from Video Interaction Guidance?

VIG can be used across a range of contexts and settings.

Parents and carers

Video Interaction Guidance can support parents and carers to develop greater confidence in their relationships with children and young people.

VIG is frequently used with families where children may have experienced trauma, loss, separation or attachment difficulties.

By helping adults notice moments of connection and attunement, VIG can support the development of stronger relationships and greater understanding.

By supporting the adults around them, VIG can help create more positive and responsive interactions for children and young people.

Teachers, social workers, therapists and other professionals may use Video Interaction Guidance to strengthen communication, enhance reflective practice and support relationship-based work.

How can VIG help?

Video Interaction Guidance can help people to:

  • Recognise and build upon existing strengths
  • Develop confidence within relationships
  • Improve communication and understanding
  • Strengthen emotional connection
  • Increase reflective thinking
  • Better understand a child or young person’s needs
  • Support positive changes within family, educational and professional relationships

Because VIG focuses on successful interactions, many people find it a positive and empowering experience.

What happens during Video Interaction Guidance sessions?

The process is collaborative and tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

Identifying goals

The intervention begins with a conversation about what you would like to achieve and what is important to you.

Recording interactions

The intervention begins with a conversation about what you would like to achieve and what is important to you.

Reviewing video clips

A trained clinician selects clips that demonstrate successful moments of communication and connection. These clips are reviewed together, providing an opportunity to reflect on what is happening within the interaction.

Building on strengths

The learning from these discussions can then be used to support future interactions and relationships.

Why choose Gateway Psychology?

Gateway Psychology is a specialist child, adolescent and family psychology service.

Our work is grounded in an understanding of child development, attachment, trauma and relationships. We recognise that families and professionals are often navigating complex circumstances and that meaningful support needs to be practical, respectful and individualised.

Video Interaction Guidance forms part of our wider commitment to strengths-based, relationship-focused practice.

If you would like to find out more about Video Interaction Guidance, or discuss whether VIG may be appropriate for your family, school, organisation or service, our team would be happy to help.

To make an enquiry or discuss your requirements, please contact Gateway Psychology.

FAQs

Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) is a strengths-based intervention that uses video feedback and guided reflection to support communication, attunement and understanding within relationships. Through reviewing successful moments of interaction, VIG helps people recognise and build upon existing strengths.

VIG involves recording short video clips of everyday interactions and then reviewing carefully selected moments with a trained practitioner. The focus is on identifying successful communication and understanding what supports connection, attunement and positive relationships.

Attunement refers to the process of noticing, understanding and responding sensitively to another person’s communication, emotions and needs. VIG aims to enhance attunement by helping people recognise moments where connection and understanding are already taking place.

VIG can be used with parents, carers, children, young people, families and professionals. It is used across a range of settings, including family support services, education, health and social care.

Yes. VIG is often used to support relationships where children may have experienced trauma, loss, separation or attachment difficulties. The focus on attunement, sensitivity and strengths can be particularly valuable in these contexts.

No. VIG focuses on natural interactions as they occur in everyday life. The aim is not to create a perfect interaction, but to capture genuine moments of communication and connection.

It is common to feel a little apprehensive at first. However, recordings are usually brief and the focus remains on recognising strengths and successful moments within interactions. Many people report feeling more comfortable as the process develops.

VIG is often described as a brief intervention, although the number of sessions will vary depending on individual circumstances, goals and needs.

Yes. Video Interaction Guidance can be used alongside other therapeutic, educational or professional support. It is often incorporated within a wider package of intervention and support.

You do not need a GP letter or special referral to access our services. Please contact us about your situation, providing as much detail as possible. We will get back to you with more information about working with us.

Please note that if you think your sessions will be funded by your Local Authority, Regional Adoption Agency or another organisation, you will likely need to speak with them first.

Therapeutic interventions and assessments may be accessible through your Local Authority or Regional Adoption Agency if you are an adoptive parent or special guardian. These are often funded under the Adoption Support Fund. You will need to speak with your post-adoption social worker to discuss this.

We are a registered Adoption Support Agency and regularly provide trauma-informed therapeutic interventions and complex psychological assessments. As such, we are inspected by Ofsted for our work with adoptive families.

Please contact us for our most up-to-date pricing structure.

We understand that it is not always possible to fund sessions yourself. Our fees reflect the many years’ experience and training our clinicians undertake to provide an expert and high-quality clinical service.

If you are an adoptive parent, special guardian or foster carer, you might be able to access our services through your Regional Adoption Agency or Local Authority. Please speak to your social worker to discuss this.

Some organisations, such as schools or charities, may help fund sessions with a clinical psychologist. It is best to speak to the organisation directly to find out if this is possible.

We occasionally work with insurance companies to provide sessions for children or young people. Please talk to your insurer to see if this would be a possibility.