Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for video sessions?
For video sessions, you need the following:
Skype is our current preference because it is free and runs on all popular platforms including Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. If you prefer another videoconferencing tool such as Google Talk or AOL Instant Messenger, please let us know, and we will accomodate your needs.
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A computer.
Almost all computers made within the last 5 years will do,
including laptops, desktop PCs, and netbooks. It should have
at least 25 MB free disk space on its hard drive,
256 MB of RAM, and a 1GHz processor.
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A webcam, microphone, and speakers.
Current laptops have all of that built in.
You may choose an external webcam that offers better picture
quality. Some external webcams
have built-in microphones which you may use.
Instead of using your microphone and speakers separately, you may prefer to use a headset.
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A broadband Internet service, such as DSL, cable, or FIOS.
Unfortunately, a dial-up connection is not fast enough to withstand a video session.
- Skype, a video communication program that is currently supported by ICS. Free download is available at the Skype website. A good video tutorial explaining how to install the program can be found here .
Skype is our current preference because it is free and runs on all popular platforms including Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. If you prefer another videoconferencing tool such as Google Talk or AOL Instant Messenger, please let us know, and we will accomodate your needs.
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Are videoconferences safe for my computer?
The customer is fully responsible for any hardware
or software issues on the client's side, including but no
limited to viruses, Trojan horses, etc. because we never provide
the customers with any hard- or software items.
The customers use video conferencing providers such as Skype,
ooVoo etc., and all technical issues should be addressed with those providers.
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How do I start a video or telephone session?
It is always our responsibility to initiate a distance session.
For video sessions, make sure that your computer is on and working,
the videoconferencing software is running, you webcam and microphone are
on, and you are in a safe and private place by the beginning of the session.
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Can I be sure that my video sessions are private?
We take all precautions to guarantee your privacy.
No one but your consultant will be allowed to
hear the conversations, whether they are conducted in person,
through video or via the telephone. According to Skype, their videoconferencing software
performs strong digital encryption
that protects sessions from electronic eavesdropping. For more details
see http://www.skype.com/security.
It is your responsibility, however, to choose the invironment that makes
the session private.
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What if the connection is lost during our distance session?
If the connection is lost or the quality is poor,
we will attempt to reconnect with you.
If those attempts are unsuccessful, we will offer you an option
to switch to using a telephone or to reschedule the session.
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Does medical insurance cover your services?
Interpersonal communication consulting is not a clinical service, and
therefore is not presently covered by medical insurance. Psychotherapy is
covered by many health plans, but so far only for face-to-face office visits.
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Do you provide your services to speakers of languages other than English?
Currently, we offer sessions in English or Russian. Please let us know
if you prefer any other language.
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Do you provide psychotherapy?
Yes, but this service is currently limited to New Jersey,
whereas our consulting sessions
are available worldwide.
What is the difference?
Psychotherapy is a process of treating mental and emotional disorders whereas
interpersonal communication consulting concerns practical solutions
to your specific real life problems.
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Call (201) 497-0289,
email at solutions@fradkov.com,
or just click here to schedule your first session.
If you know of someone who may be interested, click
here
to refer them to our website.