Please carefully read the instructions below about how to prepare for your online counselling sessions. This will help you get the best possible results from your online counselling with Clinton.
Video call meeting link
Our receptionist has now sent you a link to join your scheduled video counselling session with Clinton.
Clinton uses the video conferencing software Zoom for your meetings. Zoom is secure, confidential, easy to join, and use.
You can also locate the link and password in the automated reminder email our appointment scheduler sends you 48 hours before your appointment.
The link and password will remain the same for every appointment. Please do not share this with anyone.
Best devices to use
Zoom works well on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or Smartphone.
The first time you click the Zoom link, a small download will occur, which will then allow you to join the online meeting.
Tablets and phones
You can join via your tablet or Smartphone by downloading the Zoom app:
Once you download the app, you will enter the Meeting ID and password to join the meeting.
How to get the best results from your online counselling session
The best way to prepare for online counselling is to create an environment as close to being in the therapy office as possible.
- Choose an appropriate location. If you’re at home with other family members, choose a room where you can close (or lock) the door for privacy. If you need to be in your bedroom, avoid sitting on your bed and instead sit on a chair. If you have no privacy inside your home, consider having the meeting inside your car, which can work very well as a confidential space. If you are at work, use a private office or meeting room for your session. Coffee shops and other public places are not appropriate for your online counselling session.
- Ensure you are in a quiet space. Make sure you won’t be interrupted by anyone. If you have children, let them know they can’t disturb you during the meeting, and consider putting a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door. If you’re in a meeting room at work, advise colleagues you’re not to be disturbed and lock the office door.
- Turn off all notifications. Turn off all computer and mobile device calls and notifications. Put your computer/device into silent mode or turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ so alerts do not interrupt the session. Also, close any software programs that may be running in the background, such as email and social media accounts.
- Choose a good position for yourself and your device. The best position for your device is to place it on stable furniture and raise it close to your eye height. Placing your device on a coffee table, desk, or dining table on top of some books or boxes works well. Then position yourself on a chair in front of your device. Do not hold your device in your hand for the session. Couples need to sit in front of the device so the area from your upper chest to the top of your head is visible within the screen.
- Have good lighting. Try to have your light source behind your device shining towards you to light your face. Good lighting will help Clinton see your facial expressions. Make sure the room is well-lit.
- Use a headset (for individuals). While not a requirement, the best sound will be achieved through the use of a headset with a microphone. Your Smartphone headset often provides excellent sound quality. Please note couples do not require a headset, but you may choose to share an audio earbud each, which can also work well.
- Reduce internet bandwidth. Video conferencing requires reliable internet. Ask other family members to refrain from surfing the web or streaming any video (such as YouTube, Netflix, etc.) while you’re in your session, as this will reduce the quality of the video call.
Finally, to participate in online counselling, it's a requirement that you DO NOT:
- join using public Wi-Fi, such as Wi-Fi found in a hotel or coffee shop
- consume any alcohol before or during your session
- take any recreational drugs before or during your session
- eat or snack during your session
- do other tasks (such as cleaning, filing, reading, surfing the web, emails, etc.)
- record any part of the meeting using any recording device
Note for couples
Video conferencing does allow multiple people to meet in different locations at the same time. You and your partner can be in the same location for the couple session, or you may choose to join from separate locations. Both options can work well, so choose the option that works best for you and your personal circumstances.
Technical problems
For your first meeting, we suggest you join 5 minutes before the first meeting so Clinton can help you with any technical problems and check your setup is working.
If you have any problems joining the video call, or the call drops out and you cannot re-join, Clinton will call you on your mobile number so you can continue the session on the phone.
If there are any significant disruptions to your internet connection or call quality, Clinton will reschedule your session at no cost to you.
