While CounSol.com strives to make the video session experience as straight-forward as possible, there are many variables that can influence the quality of a session - both positively and negatively. Below is a list of tips and best practices with client-centered language, but the advice is applicable for the counselor as well. You may find the information useful to provide to your clients in a secure message, as an attachment, or as a custom form in the portal. Please feel free to copy/paste/edit the text as needed.
Preparing for your Online Video Sessions
The Right Environment
PRIVATE
Sessions can cover very sensitive and private topics. Find a private space where no one can hear you.
Tip: Wearing headphones can reduce the potential for others to hear details of your session that would otherwise be projected from speakers.
QUIET
Minimize the potential for environmental noise. Take the appropriate steps to silence electronics, pets, etc. so you are not disturbed during your online video sessions.
BRIGHT
Select a well lit area to connect to your session. The main light source should be in front of you to keep your face visible. Keep your background space clear to reduce distraction.
The Right Tech Setup
HARDWARE
You must have a desktop/laptop computer or mobile/tablet device with built-in or external speakers, microphone and webcam.
SOFTWARE
Ensure you are using the latest version of your selected browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.).
Confirm your username and password are accurate so you can log into the secure client portal at the appropriate time.
CONNECTION
You must be able to connect to a high speed internet connection (Minimum connection speed: 512Kbps Upstream / 2 Mbps Downstream).
DO NOT connect using cellular data as that is an unreliable/inconsistent connection source.
Prior to your session, restarting your computer is recommended to shutdown any background processes. Confirm all other programs are closed so all bandwidth is dedicated to your session connection.
Click the Connection Test button prior to your start time to test your internet connection and session settings. Within the Connection Test window, you should be able to see and hear yourself in both the main and preview windows.
If you can not see and hear yourself in the Connection Test window, you must adjust your settings to be able to connect to your session.
Attending Your Session
Log in to the secure client portal a few minutes prior to your session. If you are connecting from a phone/tablet, enable the "Do Not Disturb" setting to prevent any phone calls, text messages, or notifications from disrupting your upcoming session.
Your session will be displayed on your Home page. Click any of the details of your upcoming session to open the Session Details page. If you have already successfully conducted a Connection Test, then click the Start Video Session button. A new window will open where your session will take place.
If you have completed the preparatory steps listed in the tech Setup section above, you should be taken directly to the virtual meeting room where you and your counselor will conduct your session. The encrypted video can take a few seconds to sync with your clinician, so be patient.
A display of what your counselor sees will show in the bottom left, while the rest of the screen will fill with your counselor's camera view.
Use the volume dials at the top of the window to adjust sound settings as needed. When the session is finished, close the window to end the connection.
