Clarissa Lane, LCSW

How therapeutic approaches fit into online care

Client-centered therapy starts by following the person's lead. The therapist listens carefully, reflects what she hears, and helps people set goals that matter to them. This approach is helpful for building trust and deciding what to work on first.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with real-life experiments. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem because it teaches specific skills to change thinking and behavior.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, known as EMDR, is used to process distressing memories that keep coming back. It typically combines focused memory work with attention tasks, and it may be considered when trauma-related symptoms are a concern.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. Clarissa works together with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She explains options and adjusts the plan as progress is made, so the work feels collaborative rather than one-size-fits-all.

Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls let people use visual cues and a fuller conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when low bandwidth or hands-free time is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit shorter check-ins, daily coaching, or people who prefer not to be on camera. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or other busy schedules.