Guide to Video Conferencing

If you would like to take advantage of the convenience of meeting with me through video conferencing online, I can meet with you through Skype or FaceTime for Mac. All work well and are easy to set up. Skype is free, and it is 99 cents to purchase Apple's FaceTime app if you don't have it already. I have included information from both providers for you to browse through and learn more about which platform is best for you.

For both you'll download their applications onto your computer or smart phone, and then you will be walked through the set-up process by the programs.

Web Cam

You will need a built in or external web cam with a microphone. Many later generation computers and smart phones already have a video camera and microphone build right into them. In this case, FaceTime and Skype will work with them automatically and you don't have to do anything to set up the video capability of your computer. If you don't have a web cam built in to your computer, here's a link to look at different options you could purchase. A simple web cam is very inexpensive and plugs into your computer via the USB cable. As soon as you plug it in, your computer will recognize the camera. You will be walked through the software instructions by the disk that comes with the camera. (Please note: I have no relationship with any web camera companies, I am just providing you with more information about your options.)

Internet

The other thing you will need is the fastest internet connection possible. FaceTime generally works very well using wifi, but if you prefer to use Skype you will have the best results if you bypass your wifi and plug your Ethernet cable directly in to your computer.

FaceTime

In my experience, FaceTime is the highest quality video conferencing application available. You can use FaceTime on your Mac computer, or on your later generation iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. (The hand-held i-Devices DO need to have a built-in camera). You will need an apple account, which you likely have already if you're a Mac customer and the FaceTime app, which costs 99 cents. You'll install the app, and it should open up on your phone or comupter right away. I will provide you with my contact info when we set up our consultation meeting. At the time of our scheduled appointments I'll be online waiting for your call. Just click on my user name and I'll be right there, ready to speak with you face to face. From then on it will be just like any other therapy appointment.

To learn more from Apple and purchase the application: http://www.apple.com/mac/facetime/

Skype

Skype works with both Mac and PC computers and devices, provided that you have a fast internet connection (i.e., cable or DSL). To get started with Skype you'll go to www.skype.com (or use the link below) and download the Skype application (for free) onto your computer or smart phone, and the program will walk you through the process of setting up a user name, and checking to see if your audio, video and internet connections are set up properly. I will provide you with my Skype contact info when we set up our consultation meeting. At the time of our scheduled appointments you will simply change your Skype account status to "online" and I will be online waiting for your call. Click on my contact to initiate our meeting, and from then on it will be just like any other therapy session.

Here is a link to Skype's video calling service where you can learn more from them and download the necessary software: http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/features/allfeatures/video-call