Charlotte Lightfoot

How therapeutic approaches work online

Client-centred therapy focuses on the person's own goals and experiences, giving space to talk and be heard so the person can find their own answers. It suits people who want a supportive, non-directive way to make changes. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviours affect feelings and teaches concrete strategies to shift unhelpful patterns; it is often helpful for anxiety, low mood and stress. Mindfulness therapy uses simple awareness and breathing exercises to reduce reactivity and improve attention, which can help with worry and emotional overwhelm.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the person about their needs, goals and preferences and then try methods that fit. That decision is collaborative, and approaches can be adjusted as therapy progresses.

Online therapy with this counsellor can take place by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can suit shorter check-ins or people with lower bandwidth. Live chat and messaging work well for brief updates, reflections between sessions or when writing feels easier than speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep continuity when travel or location change would otherwise interrupt progress.