Steven Kirkilas, LCSW, CSW

Approaches that translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so the person feels understood and can make their own choices; it helps when someone needs a steady, accepting presence during hard times. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going and teaches concrete skills to change them, often helping with anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, often called EMDR, is used to address distressing memories and the emotional charge around them, and it can be incorporated into sessions to reduce trauma reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist will work together with each person to pick methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort level. That collaboration includes checking in about pace, trying different techniques, and adjusting as progress is made.

Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls let people use visual cues and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and can be a good option for check-ins. Live chat and text messaging provide shorter, flexible ways to touch base between sessions. These options help people connect from different locations and schedules while keeping the focus on meaningful, goal-oriented work.