Many people go to therapists or psychiatrists to deal with their life’s problems, some of which are often of their own making.  Professional treatment works for some people but not for others.  Also, therapy works to varying degrees and often costs quite a lot.  It is therefore out of reach for many people with limited means.

It occurred to me that what might be a far more effective and less costly method of improving the person you are and /or your relationship with a spouse or partner, and/or with other family members, and/or with colleagues in the workplace is to install small video cameras in your home that are self-actuated when more than one person enters a room.  The cameras could be de-activated when guests arrive or at other inappropriate times, but if they were to be kept on with guests present, the guest(s) should obviously be notified in advance.

The recorded videos of exchanges would be automatically sent to your computer.  You could view them at your convenience alone or with whomever else was involved in the exchange, or even just with someone you care about.  Viewed with openness (defenses dialed down) and a desire for self-improvement, you could see yourself interacting with others as others see you.  You could also view the words and actions of others from a different, more receptive perspective.  All of us are often blind to how we behave and interact with others.  My proposed video methodology could provide the kind of feedback that some therapy provides.  Those same videos could also be used in traditional therapy to aid in understanding how you come across and how you could monitor your interactions for the benefit of all concerned.

I welcome input from readers on the benefits and risks associated with this strategy for self-improvement.  Eventually I might further develop the idea and even work to develop the necessary technology.  Frankly, I would welcome such a system in my own house to see myself as others see me.  Hopefully that might lead to a better me, and if enough other people followed suit, to a better world.  It wouldn’t be Big Brother looking at you.  It would be you having the privileged opportunity to look at yourself with clearer eyes and a more sensitive ear.