Carol Gordon, BACP

Therapeutic approaches for online work

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening without judgement and creating an accepting space where clients can talk at their own pace. It helps people who need a steady, understanding presence while they sort through feelings and decisions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and uses practical exercises to change patterns that cause distress. This approach often suits worries like anxiety, low mood and sleep problems. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice and accept difficult inner experiences while making values-based choices; it can be useful for anxiety, stress and life changes.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and adapt methods collaboratively. That way the plan is shaped around what a person wants to achieve rather than a fixed technique.

Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls make it possible to see facial cues and maintain a conversational rhythm similar to face-to-face work. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to use video. Live chat and text-based messaging suit shorter check-ins, journalling between sessions or people who find typed communication easier. These options give flexibility for fitting therapy around work, care duties and daily life while keeping the focus on progress and practical steps.