Julie Lea

How client-centred work adapts to online therapy

Client-centred therapy puts the person's needs and feelings first. The therapist listens without judgement and follows what the client wants to focus on, helping them find their own solutions to stress, anxiety, trauma and life changes. This approach suits people who want a supportive listener and practical steps they can try between sessions.

In practice, sessions involve open conversation and reflective listening. The counsellor will ask about what matters most, offer empathic responses and suggest straightforward coping strategies. This method can help with emotional processing, building confidence and working through specific issues such as relationship or family concerns, sleep or eating difficulties, and caregiver stress.

Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will work with the client to identify goals, try different ways of working and adjust as needed. That means the plan can change over time according to what helps most for the individual's needs and preferences.

Online formats available include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face conversation, phone can be easier when bandwidth is low, live chat is useful for short check-ins and text messaging can fit around busy schedules. These options make therapy more flexible and help people access support without long travel or time away from work.