Michelle Varady, LCSW

Therapeutic Approaches That Translate to Online Care

Michelle uses cognitive behavioral approaches to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and to practice practical changes that reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression. These techniques focus on small, doable shifts that people can try between sessions to see real impacts on daily life.

She also uses dialectical behavior therapy skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. DBT techniques are often taught as step-by-step skills that clients can rehearse during video or phone sessions and apply during stressful moments.

Mindfulness and somatic methods are part of her work too, helping people notice bodily sensations and present-moment experience. These practices can reduce reactivity and support better sleep, impulse control, and stress management when practiced regularly.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences, then choose methods together. Plans are adjusted over time so techniques match what actually helps the individual.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and skill demonstrations, phone can be an easier option when bandwidth is limited, chat or text work well for brief check-ins and practicing short skills. These options help fit therapy into work, school, or caregiving schedules and make it easier to use tools between sessions.