Working Together with Online Video
This page summarises the main areas that we need to pay attention to before, during and after online sessions.
The creation of a confidential space is especially important when we work online because we are in different locations with different challenges.
Before your Session:
Equipment
You will need one of the following devices for the call, most of which have built-in cameras, though you may prefer a separate camera that sits on top of a desktop screen or laptop:
• A desktop or laptop
• A tablet or iPad
• A smartphone – not ideal but a pragmatic compromise
It can be helpful to use a personal headphone and microphone like the ones that you use with your phone. They are often known as ‘Skype headsets’.
Getting started with the software
At Wellspring counselling we use Zoom because the data being transferred between us is encrypted and, therefore, more secure. Zoom is free to download and very easy to install and setup.
You can follow the instructions for setting up Zoom at their website at https://zoom.us
Preparing your space
It’s important that you are able to speak freely and confidentially so please ensure that you have:
• A quiet space where you will not be disturbed
o Unplug the landline o Ignore the door bell
• You may need to negotiate time with people with whom you share your space
• Position your computer on a steady surface, e.g. table or a tablet/iPad stand
• It is preferable to be close to your wireless router (e.g. in the same room) rather than several rooms away.
And for your comfort:
• A place where you can sit comfortably
• A glass of water
• Tissues
• Your diary for arranging our next appointment.
During Your Session
Receiving or Making the Call
We will have agreed an appointment date and time, which is likely to be the same as your regular session at Wellspring. Be ready and ‘online’ with Zoom at your appointment time, when your counsellor will call you. On the first occasion they will send you a link inviting you to join the meeting.
Pacing
Even though you know each other, online sessions offer a different experience from meeting face-to-face. One of the main differences that you need to work with is the speed of the connection and how this affects the conversation. It is helpful to remember to take a breath and slow down.
Dealing with problems
Things can and do go wrong with broadband signals. If you get cut off for any reason then your counsellor will wait for two minutes and then try to connect again with Zoom. If the problem persists then your therapist will suggest a way going forward, which may be reverting to using a phone.
All existing arrangements for confidentiality (risk of harm, supervision, record keeping, etc.), donations, cancellation policy and professional ethics still apply when working online.
April 2020
Working Together on the Telephone
This page summarises the main areas that we need to pay attention to before, during and after telephone sessions.
The creation of a confidential space is especially important when we work on the phone because we are in different locations with different challenges.
Before Your Session
Equipment You will need a reliable telephone:
• A landline phone
• A mobile with strong signal
It can be helpful to use a personal headphone and microphone like the ones that you use with your phone, so that you are not holding your phone to your head for 50 minutes. They are often known as ‘Skype headsets’.
You may want to use the ‘speakerphone’ option, but be careful that there is no-one who will be able to overhear the conversation.
• A quiet space where you will not be disturbed o Close down your computer or tablet
o Switch off notifications etc. on your phone
o Ignore the door bell
• Make sure you are not in a spot where your phone signal is weak or variable, if using a mobile.
Setting
We will have agreed an appointment date and time, which is likely to be the same as your regular session at tWellspring. Be ready to call your counsellor at your appointment time, or for your counsellor to call you if that is what has been arranged.
Even though you know each other, telephone sessions offer a different experience from meeting face-to-face. One of the main differences that you need to work with is how just having a voice connection affects the conversation. It is helpful to remember to take a breath and slow down.
Things can and do go wrong with phone signals. If you get cut off for any reason then whoever originated the call should wait for two minutes and then try to connect again. If the problem persists then you may be able to use text or email to work how you want to proceed.
After Your Session
Your confidentiality
You may want to remove the contact details of Wellspring from your phone after your call, especially if others have access to your phone. You counsellor will remove your details from their contact list once you have ended your online counselling sessions.