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Some tips for working with Technology

Video conferencing is fairly straightforward and easy to use. However, when working with technology, sometimes things can go wrong and it is important that we are prepared for glitches. For example sometimes internet signals can be slow and there can be some disruption in video or audio. It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of the internet and can use a computer. Please note that your equipment is your responsibility.

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Usual Requirements:

• You will need a good broadband connection. Please check this out before making a commitment.

• Think about what device (such as a laptop or tablet) and what size screen you would like to use.

• You will need a device with a microphone and webcam. Modern computers often come with these already installed but they are fairly inexpensive to buy. 

• You will need to be able to download software, send and receive emails and file attachments etc.

• We will meet via a video conferencing platform (eg teams, zoom, vsee, skype, whereby etc).

• I will send you a private link for our sessions. You may also need to download the software onto your device.

• Any software you choose to use should be downloaded from their official website. It may require software updates once it has been installed, involving further downloads. For security reasons, normally it is better to use the latest version of the software.

• You will want to put your audio and webcam on when you enter the virtual ‘room’, if possible please test these are working before we meet.  

• You may want access to a printer to print things out occasionally.

• You will need a private email account. Email is useful for exchanging contracts and other documents as needed. 

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A few tips:

• Find a quiet space where you wont be disturbed and please check that you cannot be overheard.

• Using a headset can reduce echo and help with privacy. Please use a headphone if there is a possibility of beng overheard.

• Closing down other internet windows can help with speed.

• Allow a little time after a session for a break before continuing with the rest of your day.

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Some optional security tips you might find useful:

Please take appropriate precautions for keeping sessions confidential.  Here are a few tips:

• As this form of communication is two-way technology, equipment should be located and used where there is least risk of private activities being accidently seen or overheard.

• You might wish to make sure no-one else can read your emails or text messages, even if you don’t normally stop others having access.

• Remember to close down your applications when you have finished.

• Choose secure, unique passwords and keep private. It is important to use a strong, unique password (hackers use lists of common password to access accounts).

• Have anti-virus software and firewall installed on your computer and keep up-dated to protect you. Video consultations are usually encrypted but it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate anti-spyware and anti-virus protection to prevent unauthorised eavesdropping. 

• I cannot be held responsible for any call or message you choose to send me where 3rd party providers hold responsibility (eg email/text/whatsap/facetime or skype).

• Think about what else you might do to keep secure. For example, I keep my computer password protected and any documents are stored securely.  Another example is setting your computer to keep no history of text, particularly if anyone else can access your log-in.

• Keep your personal documents private (eg you could keep them on a separate USB pen with password protection).

• Log onto any platform (eg Zoom) without using Facebook/Google log-ons, in order to maintain privacy.

• Technology on a mobile phone is only as secure as any other mobile phone call.

• You might want to look up the security information provided by the software app you are using.

• No participants should invite others to take part in the session without the express consent of the therapist.

• Webcam (or email) should not be used in an emergency as a response to calls/messages is not guaranteed. 

• You may choose to use encrypted emails for sharing sensitive data.

• Please note that I can not be held responsible for any damage to your computer.

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