PREPARING FOR YOUR TELETHERAPY SESSION
Covering All Of California
I am excited to be offering teletherapy.
Research suggests that clients who participate in therapy online report similar results as those seeking face-to-face services. Online therapy has many benefits over face-to-face therapy.
Required Adjustments
During the COVID-19 crisis and until restrictions are lifted, all therapy services will be provided by teletherapy. You will be provided with a link that will allow you to join the session at the appointed time.
Using Zoom
Zoom is the platform that will be used to facilitate therapy sessions unless otherwise noted. It is a robust program that allows for most therapy models to be effectively utilized.
System Requirements
System requirements may vary depending on the services that are being provided. However, your therapist may require the use of a computer and either earbuds or headphones.
Zoom works on most smartphones and tablets. I suggest that you start early and practice using Zoom to ensure that our session has as few glitches as possible. If you are using a mobile device, then you will need to download the Zoom app before use. Please plan accordingly. You do not need to set up an account.
Preparing for Session
Please find a place that is quiet and private. I realize with children home from school that this may be difficult. Do the best that you are able.
Gather in either headphones or earbuds with a microphone. If you do not have on, then your device microphone and speakers will work; however, it will be less private, and there will likely be more echo making it more difficult to hear one another.
When you click on the link to take you to Zoom, you will first enter a waiting room. This will be a good time for you to test your microphone and speakers. If this is your first time using zoom, please test your microphone and video camera at least 10-15 minutes before our session begins.
If Session is Interrupted
As great as technology can be, it is not without its downsides. One downside is that it does not always function correctly. I recommend closing programs on your computer or apps on your mobile device that are not needed. This will allow more of your devices working memory to be used on keeping your computer stable. I also recommend turning the wifi capabilities of other computers and devices off. These days many of our appliances and devices connect to our wifi. Those devices eat up bandwidth and can cause problems for the computers we are using in our session.
In the event that a session loses connection, you need only to attempt to enter the meeting room the same as you do initially. If it is evident that the platforms we are trying to use are not going to work, then we will switch to the phone for the remainder of the session unless other arrangements are made. I will attempt to call you back if you would like you may also try to reach me by calling or texting 818-570-0745