Online Counselling
You may be familiar with online working and meetings or this may be new to you. Online counselling has been proven to be very effective, but it is different to face-to-face in several ways. We have published information here to help you get the most out of your sessions.
The first thing to decide is which device you are going to use for the meeting, it can be your phone, a tablet, laptop or desktop PC or Mac. Ensure whichever device you are going to use has virus protection software installed so that you are protected from viruses. Please note you should update your devices as a matter of habit, not just for Zoom.
Make sure you have a power connection and that your battery is fully charged – video conferencing can use more power than a phone call.
It’s useful to have an alternative method of communication as well, such as a mobile phone where you can be contacted if the connection or first choice of device fails.
Use a secured internet (Wi-Fi) signal and try to avoid using a public Wi-Fi service.
Ensure the room you are going to use is private, comfortable and has a good Wi-Fi connection, with no chance of you being disturbed.
It may be a good idea to bring a drink, a notepad a pen and some tissues to the room with you.
Prior to your appointment you will be sent a link that you may click for on-screen instructions on how to join the ‘meeting’. On some devices it will ask you to download an app, follow the instructions and it will bring you to our ‘meeting room’. Don’t worry if this takes you a few minutes the first time – it will be quicker next meeting. The counsellor will start the meeting as close to “time” as possible and if you are running late, we would be grateful if you could kindly let us know.
At the bottom of your screen you should see a list of options that allow you to mute your microphone or turn off your camera. The counsellor always sets the meeting up so that these are turned on when you enter the meeting but if they can’t hear you or you them, this is where we can solve those problems.
Most devices have a built-in microphone and camera which will be more than enough for your meeting – counsellors use earphones to ensure best privacy, so you may want to consider this too.
It can be helpful to have somewhere to place your device so that you do not have to hold it, and so that you can see the counsellor clearly.
If you lose connection, the counsellor will contact you on the phone number you have provided.
In your first session the counsellor will talk about how the session will work and how the counsellor will ensure your safety.
As with face to face sessions, the counsellor will be responsible for timings and will aim to let you know about 5-10 minutes prior to the end of our session so you are prepared for the session ending and there is time to organise the next appointment where applicable
Payment for online sessions will be taken prior to meetings and details of how to pay will be sent to you.
In the unlikely situation that Zoom Pro fails at start of, or during a session and cannot be continued via phone for any reason the session will be rescheduled.
