Shannon Gutwein, LCSW

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy centers on the person's own goals and experience. It means the therapist listens without judgment and helps people clarify what matters most to them. This approach is useful for relationship struggles, self-esteem work, and general life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses straightforward exercises to change patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, or stress. People often leave CBT with concrete tools they can use between sessions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches skills for managing strong emotions and improving relationships. It includes techniques for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and better communication, which can help with anger, impulsive behavior, and intense mood swings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, needs, and comfort level. That process may include trying one approach for a few sessions and adjusting as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet. Video calls let people see nonverbal cues and mimic an in-person visit. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier to fit into a busy day. Live chat and text messaging are useful for short check-ins, journaling between sessions, or when someone prefers not to be on camera. These options make it simpler to keep therapy consistent while balancing family, school, and work commitments.