Preparing For Your Session (Client Version)

Table of Contents

Welcome to the Bilateral Base therapy platform.

If you’re using the platform for the first time then this guide will walk you through the steps to getting connected with your therapist.

Usually you will not have to do anything different than if you were using a general purpose video conferencing service like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet etc.

However we suggest you have a quick read of the information below to ensure that your call is set up properly and that it is possible for your therapist to use all the different therapy tools.

Before your session #

Recommended Device Setup #

  • Compatible Devices
    • Important! – We recommend that well before your first session, you open your session invite link. As soon as the platform loads it will check whether your device is running an up-to-date web browser / operating system, this will give you time to update your device if needed.
    • The platform can be used on any device (Computer, tablet or phone). There are a few things to be aware of depending on what type of device you have available
    • PC/Mac – The platform will work on Windows-PC or Mac computers and if you have this available we recommend you use it.
      • Your session runs in the web browser so there is no software to download and you DO NOT need to sign up for a Bilateral Base account.
      • All the major browsers are supported (Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari).
      • We suggest you use Chrome if you can, as it tends to have the best support for the technologies that the platform uses for high quality video calls and advanced therapy tools.
    • Apple iPad/iPhone – If you intend to use an Apple iPad or iPhone for a session, please see – Using Apple iPad/iPhone
    • Android Tablet/Smartphone – If you intend to use an Android tablet or phone for a session, please see – Using Android tablet/phone
  • A Webcam
    • You will need to have a webcam (or camera built into your device) available for the session
    • Try to position/point it so that your eyes are about two thirds of the way up the image so your therapist can see you well
    • Avoid having a window or bright light behind you. Try to ensure there is a reasonable amount of light falling on your face
  • A wired set of headphones with a microphone
    • Wired headphones are recommended because it helps ensure you can hear the other participant clearly. It also avoids your microphone picking up the sound from your speakers which can impact the sound quality.
    • Device Speakers – If you don’t have wired headphones then it’s ok to use your device speakers as a backup option
    • Headphones without a microphone – If you have wired headphones but they don’t have a microphone, then that’s ok, it’s still a good idea to use the headphones to hear while using the microphone that is built into your device
    • Wireless headphones – If you want to use wireless headphone then please see – Using wireless headphones
  • A reasonably good internet connection
    • Video calls are quite data intensive so your internet connection needs to be fairly fast and steady, if you have been using other video services like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and FaceTime, then you should have no issue using Bilateral Base
    • If you do want check whether your internet meets our minimum needs visit https://www.speedtest.net/ (you need to have 3Mbs Upload & Download)
    • See our article on how to get the best out of your internet connection – Improving Your Internet Speed
  • Other Tips
    • Close other video conferencing services – Close programs like Zoom, Microsoft Teams etc when using Bilateral Base as sometimes this can create a conflict if both programs are trying to access your webcam or microphone at the same time
    • Close unused programs – This is another way to free up processor and memory for your sessions
    • Restart your device – If you’re someone who rarely if ever restarts their PC/Mac then it might be a good idea to do this once in a while. This can free up system processor and memory which can improve the quality and stability of video calls
    • Power Supply – Ensure your device has sufficient battery for the session duration or ideally is connected to a power supply which will stop your device using power saving features which can impact the performance of your device

Environment #

  • Try to find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed
  • Seated in a comfortable but reasonably upright chair

Run Pre-session Setup #

  • If it is your first time using the platform then we recommend clicking on the session link as soon as you receive it to check your system is ready to go.
  • The first thing you will see after clicking the session link is an option to test your video and audio setup. You can go through these steps and check everything is working and then just close your web browser once this is done
  • By doing this well ahead of your session (e.g. 24hrs before), if there are any issues, the team at Bilateral Base will be able to help get them resolved before your session is due to start – contact us

 

Starting a Session #

Session Link #

  • To join your session, simply click on the the session link to open the session in your web browser.
  • Please Note – You DO NOT need to sign up for a Bilateral Base account

Pre-session setup #

  • Even if you have already completed the Pre-session setup it’s generally a good idea to quickly run through the tests again to make sure nothing has changed and your setup is still correct
  • However once you’ve done it a few times and are confident that the set up hasn’t changed there is the option to skip this

Waiting Room #

  • Once you have completed or skipped the Pre-session Setup you will then either be taken straight into the session with your therapist or you may be held in the waiting room until your therapist has arrived
  • Tip – you can mute your camera and microphone while you are waiting for your therapist if you prefer

 

Main Session Controls #

Mute Camera #

  • If at any point during a session you want to ensure your camera is off then click the camera icon towards the bottom right of your screen

Mute Microphone #

  • If at any point during a session you want to ensure your microphone is off then click the microphone icon towards the bottom right of your screen

Leave Session #

  • To exit the session at any time click the ‘Leave Session’ option at the bottom right of  your screen. Alternatively you can close your browser window/tab which will also end the session

 

Additional Session Options #

Reposition Preview Panel #

  • The preview video panel that shows you the view from your camera can be repositioned by dragging to different parts of the screen
  • It can also be moved by going to Session Options -> View Preview Options

Full Screen Mode #

  • Some users prefer to go into full screen mode to remove any other distractions from their screen and to maximise the space available for the video conference and therapy tools.
  • This option can be found towards the bottom right of your screen
  • This option is currently supported on PC and Mac

Share Screen #

  • If needed, you can share all or part of your screen with your client using the ‘Share Your Screen’ option towards the bottom right of your screen
  • This option is currently supported on PC and Mac

Chat #

  • This feature allows you to instant message with your therapist
  • Go to Session Options -> Chat

Switch Camera/Audio Output/ Audio Input #

  • If you need to change your video or audio setup during a session go to ‘Session Options’ towards the bottom right of your screen

 

Troubleshooting #

 

 

 

 

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