Device Setup & Compatibility Guide (For Therapists)

Table of Contents

The Bilateral Base platform has been designed so that it can be used on a wide range of devices and web browsers.

In most cases, you and your clients will be able to use your existing device to instantly join an online session in the same way you would with general-purpose video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet etc.

To help you deliver the best possible experience to your clients every time, we have some recommendations and tips on things you can do to make sure that every session runs smoothly and effectively.

We also have a version of the following information, written specifically for your clients, this is included in your session invites for to clients.  See ‘Preparing For Your Session’. (Client Version) 

 

Recommended Device Setup #

  • Compatible Devices
    • The platform can be used on any device (PC/Mac, Tablet or Phone).
    • PC/Mac
      • The platform is compatible with Windows-PC or Mac computers and if you/your clients have this available we recommend you use it due to the bigger screen size and (in general) more processing power and memory for running smooth video calls together with EMDR tools.
      • The platform runs in a web browser so there is no software to download
      • All the major browsers are supported (Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari). Some minor features are not available on Firefox/Safari which do not yet support certain technologies (e.g. being able to replace your camera background).
      • We suggest you and your clients use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge which support all platform features.
    • Apple iPad/iPhone –
      • The platform is compatible with iPad/iPhone
      • We recommend that you / your clients use the Google Chrome or Safari Browser
    • Android tablet/phone
      • The platform is compatible with Android tablet/phone
      • We recommend that you / your clients use the Google Chrome browser
  • A Webcam
    • You will need to have a webcam for online sessions
    • Try to position/point it so that your eyes are about a third 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 set of headphones with a microphone
    • Headphones are recommended because they help ensure you and your client can hear each other clearly. They also ensure that your microphone will not pick up the sound from your speakers, creating an echo for your client. If you don’t have headphones then it’s ok to use your device speakers as an alternative 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
    • Tip – if you find it strange or uncomfortable to use headphones then try slipping one side off your ear so that you can hear yourself better
  • A reasonably fast internet connection
    • Video calls are quite data intensive, so your internet connection needs to be fairly fast and relia. 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 want to check whether your internet meets our minimum speed, 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 for high-quality calls and smooth bilateral stimulation 
    • 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.
    • Close unused programs – This is another way to free up processor and memory for your sessions
    • Close other video conferencing services – Close programs like Zoom, Microsoft Teams when using Bilateral Base as sometimes they can create a conflict if both programs are trying to access your webcam or microphone at the same time
    • Power Supply – Ensure your device has sufficient battery for the session duration or is connected to a power supply (some devices reduce their processing speed when used on battery)