James Yates, BACP

Approaches that suit online therapy and how they help

James primarily uses person-centred practice which focuses on listening, acceptance and following the client's priorities; this helps with anxiety, low mood and building self-trust. Person-centred work emphasises a respectful, non-judgemental dialogue so people can understand their feelings and make clearer choices.

He also draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical coping strategies and emotional regulation; these approaches help when anxiety, panic or stress feel overwhelming by giving simple tools to manage day-to-day symptoms. For people affected by grief or trauma, the work includes careful pacing, grounding and finding manageable ways to process difficult memories.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will work collaboratively with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. This can change over time as needs shift, and sessions are regularly reviewed to make sure the work stays helpful.

Online therapy offers practical benefits such as easier scheduling and greater flexibility. Video calls let people have conversational sessions similar to in-person work, phone sessions suit those with lower bandwidth or who prefer not to be on camera, and live chat or text-based messaging can be useful for short check-ins or when writing helps the person reflect. These options make it simpler to fit therapy around work, family and travel commitments.