Theresa Leal, LCSW

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Theresa often draws on attachment-based work to look at patterns in close relationships and how early connections shape current responses. That approach can help when relationship trust, closeness, or caregiving patterns are causing stress or confusion. She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy - CBT - which helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different ways of thinking and acting. CBT is useful for anxiety, low mood, and practical problem solving. Solution-focused therapy is part of her toolkit too; it emphasizes small, concrete steps and building on what already works for the client. Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Theresa will talk with each person about goals and preferences, and then try methods that fit those needs. Sessions may blend elements from different approaches until a clear path forward emerges. Online therapy makes it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules. Video calls allow a fuller conversation while phone sessions can be lower bandwidth and easier when on the go. Live chat and text-based messaging let clients check in between meetings, do shorter check-ins, or share reflections after sessions. These options provide flexibility and multiple ways to keep momentum between appointments.