Barbara Cross

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps people gain clearer self-understanding and confidence through a respectful, non-directive dialogue. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and offers practical exercises and behavioural tasks to reduce anxiety or low mood. Narrative Therapy invites people to examine the stories they tell about their life and to reframe those stories in ways that open up new choices and possibilities.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and practical needs and then collaborate to choose methods that fit. That might mean combining elements from different approaches and adjusting the pace or focus as progress is made.

Online sessions offer practical benefits. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when that matters. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging suit people who prefer written work, want to reflect between messages, or need flexibility around work or caring commitments. Together these options make it easier to fit therapy into everyday life while keeping the work collaborative and goal-focused.