Kevin Kelsey, LCSW

Using skills-based approaches in online therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches concrete skills for managing strong emotions and getting through crises. It focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships, which can help with anxiety and overwhelming stress. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative way to explore what matters to a person and to build internal motivation for making changes. It can be useful when someone feels stuck or unsure about next steps.

Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on practical steps and short-term goals. Sessions identify small changes that lead to measurable progress and help people notice what already works. Together, these approaches give a mix of skills training, motivation work, and goal-focused planning that is easy to use in online sessions.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with the client about their needs, goals, and preferences and then try methods that fit best. Clients can change direction as needed and work collaboratively to track what helps most.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and practicing skills together. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging are convenient for brief updates, homework check-ins, or ongoing encouragement between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life.