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I do some webcam sessions and have found them especially helpful for people with severe anxiety and people who are either in a no-English speaking country or who have difficulty travelling. If the client is comfortable with technology then it is an ideal solution. I personally only do hypnosis when I have a video link with the other person as I like to have visual feedback. There have been a few occasions when there has been a problem with the webcam and we have worked with audio only but I find them much harder work because I have to adapt my normal way of working.
A few of the things that I would recommend are:
Make sure the client understands the importance of putting aside a time when they will not be disturbed. Because they are at home there could be other family members wandering around, people calling round or phoning. I usually send a checklist before the session, reminding them to make sure the phone is swtiched off, they don't have anything that might distract them and that they are sitting comfortably. I also explain what will happen if we lose the connection.
Make sure you do the same for yourself - switch off all your phones and any computer applications that might make noises or flash up on the screen.
If you're working with people in other time zones make certain you're both agreed what time you've arranged and if there are any daylight saving adjustments needed.
I always allow an extra half hour for the first session to allow for any webcam problems. The client may not regularly use a webcam so may have problems logging on or getting the sound set up correctly. I prefer them to use headphones because that reduces the chance of your own voice feeding back which can be very offputting. Even on following sessions I will still allow time for technical problems as you can never predict when they will happen.
I prefer Skype over IM as it usually seems to give better quality. I have had a few occasions where the picture has locked up completley and if we're still in the talking part of the session then I'll usually suggest we cut the connection and reconnect. If we're already well into the session though I'll just carry on. The very first session I ever did we lost the connection about 5 times and I just called back each time, he reconnected and we went straight on with the session. That is the worst I have ever had.
On a technical note, make sure the lighting stays consistent. I did a session earlier in the year in late afternoon. It was nice and sunny when I started, but the sun went down quickly and it was very gloomy when I finished.
My clients have ranged from someone about 2 miles from my office who wouldn't come to my office initially because of her anxiety (she did finally come and see me in person which was great!) to people in Australia and South America. (I'm based in the UK)
I hope that helps.
Sharon
© 2012 Created by Scott Sandland.