Mercy Estevez, LCSW

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Mercy often uses client-centered therapy to create a space where the client’s priorities guide the work. This approach means sessions focus on what matters most to the person, with the therapist reflecting and asking questions to clarify goals.

She also draws on mindfulness therapy to teach simple awareness and breathing practices that can reduce stress and help with anxiety or traumatic memories. Motivational interviewing is used when someone feels stuck about change; it helps uncover personal reasons to try a new behavior and plan small steps toward that change.

If the right approach isn’t clear at first, Mercy treats figuring that out as a shared process. She will talk with the client about goals, try approaches that fit those goals, and adjust plans based on what works and what doesn’t. This helps keep therapy practical and focused on real-life results.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for longer sessions and deeper conversation, while phone calls take less bandwidth and can fit into a short work break. Live chat and messaging are helpful for brief check-ins, journaling between sessions, or when someone prefers writing to talking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and keep consistent progress.