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Online Counseling Setup

We are using Google Meet for our online counseling sessions. Please follow the link provided by your therapist 5-10 minutes prior to your session time to make sure your camera and microphone are set up properly. You want to be able to focus on therapy during your session, not the technology.

 

Google Meet Setup

You will need to either downloaded the app to your phone or ensure you have a compatible browser set up on your computer.

For Computers

Google Meet is simple to use and requires no additional software on your computer other than one of the popular web browsers. Compatible browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

For Phones

You will need to download the Hangouts Meet by Google app for your phone. Tap the appropriate link for your phone.

Once you install the app, you will need to set up or login with a Google account to be able to be able to access the meeting link.

 

Joining Your Online Counseling Session

When it’s time to begin your session, simply click the meeting link in the invitation email you receive from your therapist.

If you are using your computer for video and your phone for audio, please give yourself a couple extra minutes to get everything set up.

 

How to Have a Successful Online Counseling Session

  • Test the technology ahead of time. Make sure your internet connection is strong and consistent. If you’re using a computer, go to meet.google.com to test your microphone and camera. To do so, click the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. If you’re using the Hangouts Meet app on your phone, log into the app with a Google account.
  • Pick the right environment. The place where you do your therapy session should be free of distractions and interruptions. The light source should be facing you, not behind you, so you don’t look like a dark silhouette. It should be a quiet place so you and your therapist can easily hear each other. Finally, if you’re doing a couples session, make sure both people can sit comfortably within the camera’s view.
  • Spend 10 minutes gathering your thoughts before the session starts. You would typically do this while driving to your appointment or waiting in the lobby. Because a virtual session doesn’t have that time built in, you’ll want to take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts, goals, questions, and/or topics you’d like to discuss.
  • Embrace the awkward. Online counseling may feel awkward if you’ve never done it before. Be willing to get through the uncomfortable feelings and work to engage with your therapist and your partner (if it is a couples session). The more you do it, the more natural it will feel.
  • Keep pen and paper close by. Your therapist may have you write something down during your session, so you want to be prepared with a way to do so.