Dorothy Meeks, LMFT

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real life. It helps when anxiety, stress, or low mood get in the way of daily routines. DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy, teaches concrete emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. Those tools can reduce outbursts, calm intense feelings, and improve interpersonal responses. The Gottman Method targets communication and conflict patterns in relationships, using specific exercises to improve listening, reduce criticism, and rebuild connection.

Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about symptoms, goals, and preferences, and then try methods that match those needs. Approaches can be combined and adjusted over time based on what feels most useful and what produces steady progress.

Online sessions offer flexibility for busy lives. Video calls let people use face‑to‑face exercises and role plays. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check‑ins, homework support, or quick coaching between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or irregular schedules while keeping the focus on practical skills and real progress.