Diane Shrock-Wang, LMFT

Using practical approaches in online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflection. The therapist follows the person’s lead, clarifies what matters most, and helps build confidence and clearer self-understanding. This approach fits people who want a supportive space to talk and be heard.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions include identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing new behaviors to reduce anxiety, improve mood, or change habits. This method is useful for stress, depression, and work or relationship difficulties.

EMDR is offered as a way to process disturbing memories that keep causing distress. It involves guided processing to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and the reactions tied to them. People who struggle with past events that keep affecting daily life may find this helpful.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk about goals, try methods, and adjust plans based on how the person responds. Together they decide what combination of work feels most helpful for the client’s needs and preferences.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which makes scheduling more flexible. Video is good for in-depth work and face-to-face conversation, phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and chat or messaging suit quick check-ins or ongoing support between sessions. These options help people fit therapy into busy lives and maintain steady progress.