How to prepare for your video counselling session
Your therapist may send you a consent form and background info sheet before the session.
- Setting up your room:
Find a quiet room or area that will give you privacy to set up your computer and chairs. Make sure your chairs are side by side so both of your heads will be seen on the screen.
If you have children, have them set up in another room with things to keep them happy.
Also make sure you have water and tissues close by.
Check the light in the room. Ideally we want good light; not too dark or bright, but your counsellor will check this with you once you start.
Also, please have your credit card ready as it works best to take care of the payment quickly first.
- During the session:
It can also be helpful to ask your counsellor for their phone number and also give them yours, at the beginning of the session, so on the very odd occasion that the connect drops out briefly, you have a way to stay in contact. This does not happen often, but it is best to be prepared.
Feel free to look at each other when one is speaking and not just look at the screen.
Other than this, it will feel just like a face to face session. Clients are often amazed how similar it feels.
What our clients have said
“I was really apprehensive at first, but it was easy as I was sent instructions and a link, and after a few minutes I didn’t think about it… it was like being face to face”.
“We had thought of postponing our sessions until face to face was available, but our situation was getting worse, so we tried it and we found it really helpful”.
“I actually really like sessions on videolink. It saves me so much time, not having to travel to appointments. I settle the kids with a video for fifty minutes or so, and I got to the privacy of a separate room for the duration”.
“I put off telehealth for a while, hoping face to face would be available soon, but due to the immune problems for some family members, I decided not to take the risk. I gave it a try to be safe, and I’m so glad I did. It has been a life saver”.
“We actually prefer sessions on video in the comfort of our home and we can talk straight afterwards about what we learned. I hope we are able to continue in this format”.
Important considerations
– The most important consideration is that you need to be mindful that your room has privacy. Most people find that this is not difficult to manage. If you have children, make sure you have set them up in another room with things to keep them happy.
– When you are preparing for your couple’s session, make sure you sit side by side on a sofa or have your individual chairs set close together, then set up your computer screen so that both of you are visible on the screen at the same time.
– It can also be helpful to ask your therapist for their phone number and also give them yours, at the beginning of the session, so on the very odd occasion that the connect drops out briefly, you have a way to stay in contact. This does not happen often, but it is best to be prepared.
If you have any further questions, please contact our friendly receptionists and they will be happy to assist you.