Sharon Woodard, LMHC, LCMHC

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience. It involves shaping sessions around what feels most important and building trust through a supportive, collaborative relationship. This approach helps people who feel overwhelmed or stuck by giving them space to set goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches ways to notice and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It is practical and task-focused, which fits well with video or message-based work where homework and structured exercises are shared between sessions. CBT is often used for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, provides concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving coping. DBT techniques such as distress tolerance and emotion regulation can be practiced and reinforced through short phone check-ins or text-based skill reminders.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which combination of methods fits their needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is revisited as therapy progresses to make sure the work stays helpful.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. Video calls are useful for face-to-face conversation and guided exercises. Phone sessions can fit into work breaks or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or text messaging can be used for brief check-ins, skill practice, or ongoing support between sessions. These options offer flexibility so people can engage in therapy in the ways that work best for their schedules and day-to-day life.