Amanda Shaw, LCSW

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the person's goals. The therapist encourages people to lead the conversation and helps turn their concerns into clear, manageable objectives. This approach fits well with video or text formats where progress is guided by each person's priorities.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts influence feelings and actions, and teaches practical techniques to change patterns that cause distress. CBT works well for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood regulation, and can be practiced through short exercises during phone or messaging check-ins.

Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity and help with stress and grief. These skills can be introduced in a session and practiced between meetings via phone, text prompts, or video demonstrations.

Finding the right mix of techniques is part of the process. The therapist collaborates with each person to choose approaches that match their goals, comfort level, and lifestyle. Adjustments are made as progress unfolds so the work feels useful and doable.

Online therapy offers practical benefits like scheduling flexibility and easier access when managing caregiving or work demands. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction, phone sessions work well for lower bandwidth or hands-free conversations, and live chat or text-based messaging can support shorter check-ins or ongoing problem-solving between sessions. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while fitting it into a busy life.