Skype Therapy

I talk with clients on a regular basis by using Skype to discuss anger, stress, relationship issues, and sexual matters. The Skype sessions are mainly used for webcam, which many of my clients really enjoy. I also find it to be very helpful to see the client and pick up on those facial expressions and a bit of body language. I am told the client appreciates it, as well. I find Skype to be very versatile and encourage everyone to try it out.

What is Skype?

Skype is a versatile service that is capable of VoIP in regards to computer-to-phone (landline or cell), computer-to-computer audio and/or webcam, and SMS text messaging. Skype can also be used to create a chat room and used for private instant messaging. Recently Skype has been released for the iPhone and Blackberry, so you don't even have to have a computer to use it!

Let's say that you are running short on your cell phone minutes. If you are at a wifi hotspot, then you are able to use your laptop with Skype to call anyone you want for only your monthly charge ranging from $2.95 for all US calls to $12.95 for the entire world. This could save you pretty big money if you are a phone talker. If you have a built-in microphone you could use that (some are great and others not) or you could purchase a headset for less than $50 to have a good quality phone call. If you happen to use a Bluetooth-enabled laptop, your Bluetooth jawbone would work with your computer. Just think, you could use the same Bluetooth for your cell phone with your laptop! Another option here would be to use an iPhone or Blackberry. Recently, there has been a Skype app for both phones, which allows you to use that same phone to make Skype phone calls when you are near a hotspot. You can purchase a phone specifically made for Skype through the Skype website. However, I would not recommend it as there are many complaints about problems with range and poor battery life.

Webcam with Skype can be a fun way to see your friends and family. If you have a built in webcam in your laptop, then you are already there. If not, then you can buy a webcam that clips onto your monitor for around $50 and sometimes less. This will require more bandwidth, which may or may not be a problem for your hotspot.

Remember that computer-to-computer calls and webcam are free on Skype, as well as the instant messaging. Cost is only involved when you want to use the service to call another cell phone or landline.

There is also the option to choose a local telephone number for most locations. This is very handy for receiving telephone calls that are not local to your existing cell phone number. For instance, let's say that you have a brother in Denver who always calls you, but your cell phone is from Indianapolis. You can purchase a Denver phone number from Skype and have the ability for your brother to call you without long distance charges. For $60 per year, plus $2.95 per month, you can have a local telephone number forward to your cell phone or computer. Better yet, you can get an additional Skype phone number to use for business. By doing so, you will protect your personal number. When you no longer want to get business calls (maybe during the weekend), you can forward those calls to voicemail and still use your cell phone for personal calls.

The only drawback to Skype that I experience is when there are Internet problems, you have Skype problems. It requires a broadband connection, such as DSL or Cable. Basically, it will work on most connections, except dialup.