Doing Therapy Online

Guidance for online sessions using Bilateral Base

It may seem strange at first trying therapy using video, instead of face to face, but I have found that it can work very well. I have produced this information page to try and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.

The platform that I use for video calls is Bilateral Base. This is specifically designed for online therapy and has options for us to use EMDR built into it. I have looked into the different possibilities and I feel that Bilateral Base offers a safe and secure platform. If we have problems with it we also have the option of using Google Meet. Please note Bilateral Base does not work with iphones.

Instructions

I will send you an email with the date of our appointment and a link to join the video call. A few minutes before the appointment just click on the link. Bilateral Base recommends that Chrome is the best browser to use. You won’t be asked to download anything, but you will be taken through a series of steps to test your video, microphone and internet connection. It will recommend using headphones, however that is not necessary.

If you have a problem during this set up please just drop me a quick email and I will telephone you to talk it through.

If we have any problems with connecting then it can be useful to try refreshing your browser, restarting your device and closing any other windows you may have open on your device. If that does not work you could try sitting closer to your router.

If we get cut off please try to reconnect to the call using the same link. If this doesn’t work you can call my mobile number (07434 810164) or I will call you.

A few tips to help the process

  • Think about your environment. Try to be somewhere comfortable, where you can be relaxed, but sitting up. Ideally, perhaps set up your device so that you don’t have to hold it all through the session. Have some tissues and a glass of water nearby.
  • Think about your privacy. Are you able to find a space where you won’t be interrupted or overheard so that you can speak freely? It will also help me to hear you better if there are not too many background noises.
  • We can discuss whether you prefer to use headphones or not. The sound seems to work best when we both do the same.
  • You may notice that you do not have a ‘leave call’  button on your side of the call. If you were to decide that you wanted to leave the call with me, you can do so by closing the window.

 

Rules we must keep to

  • Please do not drink alcohol or use drugs before our sessions. It can interfere with the process of therapy.
  • I will not record our sessions, unless I have prior consent from you to do so. I ask that you please agree to the same.

 

If we have technical issues at the beginning of the session we will start our session time once we have the technology established. 

 

Below is some information from Bilateral Base about which devices it can work with and the internet connection needed.

System Requirements For Therapists/Clients

Devices

PC running Windows 10 (Recommended)
Mac running the latest version of OS X (Recommended)
Android Tablet/Phone
iPad (Must use Safari browser – Does not currently support audio BLS)

iPhone (Not currently supported)

Browsers

Chrome (Recommended)
Firefox
Edge
Safari (does not support audio BLS)

Internet Connection
Download – 3.2 Mbps and upload Speed – 2.6 Mbps