Client Guide – Joining a Zoom Call

Client Guide to Joining a Zoom Call.  Our easy guide on how to join a Zoom meeting for your Counselling session. 

 About Zoom 

You do not have to download any software or apps to join a Zoom meeting.  If you do want to download the app so that you can set up Zoom meetings to talk to family or friends, you can download the Zoom app from https://zoom.us/download 

 Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service you can use to virtually meet with others – either by video or audio-only or both.  There is no cost to Well Minds Online Clients connecting with one device and you don’t need any special software. 

 Zoom’s solution and security architecture provides encryption and meeting access controls so data in transit cannot be intercepted. Zoom does not have access to identifiable health information, and they protect and encrypt all audio, video, and screen sharing data.  

 Zoom can be used for video calling where each person can hear and see each other.  For this, you will need a camera on your device or a connected webcam. If you don’t have a camera or webcam you will continue to be able to listen and speak during the meeting and see your counsellor. 

What can I expect?

Having a Zoom video call is the closest experience to having face to face counselling in person and research shows that it is as effective as being in the same room as your counsellor.  Some clients describe the experience as ‘just like having your counsellor in your own home’.  You are not limited to having counselling in your home, you could be in your garden, your (stationary) car, or a quite peaceful spot.  You do need to have access to the internet through broadband or mobile 3G or 4G data so it might be worth checking that you have a strong signal in the location you plan to have your counselling sessions. 

Want some privacy?

If you are not comfortable with the counsellor being able to see into your home or want to hold a level of privacy, or if you don’t want the counsellor to see you you can turn off your camera.  If you don’t want to see your own face during the video call, but want to still be able to see your counsellor, you can hide your camera.  Please see below for the instructions. 

Zoom can also be used for audio only calling, where you and your counsellor can hear each other but cannot see each other; an alternative to using a telephone.   

Step by step Client Guide to Joining a Zoom Call

Your counsellor will send you an email to confirm your chosen appointment date and time. The email will confirm the details of the Zoom call and include a link to the Zoom call. 

It is easy to join the Zoom call in a few simple steps: 

1. Click on the link sent to you by email from your counsellor
2. A new window will pop up. Click on the Open Zoom.us button  
3. Another pop-up will appear. Click on ‘Join with Computer Audio’
4. Click on ‘Join with video’ if you want your ousnellor to see you

You have now joined your Zoom meeting. You should be able to see/hear the each other. 

How to turn off your camera 

Once joined a Zoom meeting, locate the 2 blue buttons top right of YOUR video rectangle: Mute(or Unmute) and a button with 3 white dots. 

1. Click or tap the button with the dots. 
2. From the drop-down menu, select Hide Self-View
3. You now won’t be seeing your own face but please remember teh cousnellor can!
4. To see your video again, look top right of Zoom screen (not video rectangle) and click Show Self-View.

 Technical help 

 If you need technical help, please go to https://zoom.us or refer to your device user instructions. 

 Additional useful guides link below – How to join a Zoom meeting 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIkCmbvAHQQ