Laura Ward, BACP

How these approaches work in online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening closely and following the person’s lead. In practice this means the counsellor reflects what is said, helps clarify feelings and supports the client to find their own solutions. This approach suits people who want a respectful, non-judgemental space to talk about what matters to them.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact. Online CBT often involves noticing unhelpful thinking patterns, trying small behavioural experiments and practising new skills between sessions. It is useful for anxiety, low mood and stress where changing day-to-day reactions makes a difference.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people understand attachment and emotional responses within relationships. In an online setting this can include exploring patterns of connection, learning to name difficult emotions and trying new ways of relating. It can be helpful when worries centre on trust, closeness or repeated conflict.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss goals, preferences and practical needs and together they will agree what to try first. That plan can change over time as progress and priorities become clearer.

Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls let people work face to face when a longer discussion is needed. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or a quieter check-in is preferred. Live chat or text messaging suit shorter check-ins, reflective writing exercises or when someone prefers not to use audio. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and day-to-day life.