Online Session Guidelines
The online platform which I will be using is called Zoom. This platform is secure and offers us an opportunity to have your sessions from the comfort of your own home
What do I need in order to use Zoom?
You can use Zoom on a laptop, mobile phone or tablet. In addition to one of these, you need an internet connection (mobile data or wifi connection). If you are using a laptop, you can access Zoom in your web browser. However, it is recommended that you download the app onto your laptop as it allows for better functionality. If you are using a mobile device, you will be asked to download the app for free. For both options, it is recommended that you sign in as this will enable you to enter the meeting room directly for each session without needing to sign in each time.
You can click on the following link to watch a video on how to get from the link I send you, into the virtual meeting room: https://youtu.be/hIkCmbvAHQQ
Some things to consider:
Things to consider when choosing a place to have our session from are:
- Privacy
- Access to internet/power
- Access to supportive material
Privacy
My online consults will involve me being in a space where privacy is always maintained on my end. In terms of online security, I have a Zoom Pro account which means I have a unique private personal meeting room ID and am able to ‘lock’ the meeting room once the session starts so that no-one else may enter. However, on your side, I acknowledge that you might be in a house that is shared by other people. During our online session, please ensure that you are in a space that is private so that you feel safe in sharing what you need to share with me.
These are some measures that you could take to ensure privacy.
- Make sure you are in a space where family members/others can’t walk in and interrupt. Perhaps this means locking a door to the room you are in, or informing everyone that they are not to disrupt you for an hour. Putting a notice on the door is also a good option. Some people choose to have their session in a car/garden/bathroom to ensure they get the privacy they need.
- Making use of earphones will assist in getting a sense of privacy. Although your voice may be audible to others, at least the content of what I am saying will not be able to be heard. Many earphone sets that come with mobile phones have earphones and in-line microphones which are ideal so that you don’t need to speak as loudly.
2. Access to internet/power
Obviously Zoom requires an internet connection, so whether you are using mobile data or wifi, please ensure that you are connected and have sufficient data to sustain the session (a one hour session typically uses about 1G of data). We’d like to reduce disruptions in the session as much as possible. By the same token, please ensure your device is plugged into a power source or is fully charged to sustain the full length of the session.
3. Access to supportive material
In order to make the sessions as comfortable as possible, I recommend having the following things handy during our sessions:
- A box of tissues/toilet paper
- A glass of water
- If you would like to have a pen and paper handy to make notes or doodle on while we chat, please feel free to do so. Some people feel that the prolonged eye contact can get overwhelming on Zoom and this might offer you some space
Practical notes:
What should be in the shot?
It is very helpful for me to see not just your face, but your upper body as well. If it is possible, try to sit back from your device, so that I can see you from your chest upwards. I understand that you will be sharing a snapshot of your intimate home space with me and I will place no judgement on the items/things reflected in the background of your screen. Please don’t worry about cleaning up or ensuring the background is suitable.
Hiding self view:
It can be quite disconcerting to have to see yourself on the screen during the session. It is recommended that you use the ‘gallery view’ option and then click on the three dots in the top right hand corner of video shot and select HIDE SELF VIEW. That way you will only see my video on the screen. If I am unable to see you, I will let you know that I need you to move into the camera view.
Minimise distractions:
Please ensure your cellphone is on silent and all notifications (email, slack, IM etc) are disabled for the duration of the session.
What do I do if I can’t connect to the meeting?
Please call me on my cellphone: 083 266 1692 and I will try to assist you. If for some reason, you cannot reach me (my phone is often on silent), please call Prashika on 083 260 64 89
What do we do if we lose connection during the session?
Try to reconnect to the meeting room. If that doesn’t work, I will phone you and we can make a plan from there.
If I disappear from the meeting (due to connection reasons), please stay online as I will reconnect into the meeting room. If I am unable to connect in again, I will call you.
“When we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending”
Brene Brown