Dr. Nina Rathmann, LCSW, CSW

How specific approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice hard thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then take actions that fit their values. It can be useful for anxiety, chronic health concerns, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress because it gives concrete skills you can practice between sessions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, listening approach that helps people feel understood and build their own solutions; this is helpful when someone needs space to process grief, caregiver stress, or identity concerns.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust as progress is tracked. That way clients help choose which strategies to keep and which to change over time.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs. Video is useful when visual cues and face-to-face conversation matter. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat or texting can suit brief check-ins, notes between sessions, or people who express themselves better in writing. These options aim to make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into a busy life.