Anne McLaren

Approaches that translate well to online care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and meeting a person where they are. In practice this means the therapist follows the client’s lead, reflects what they say, and helps clarify goals; it supports issues like low self-esteem, grief, and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes. It is hands-on and often includes short exercises to try between sessions, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress management.

The Gottman Method offers concrete tools for improving communication and handling conflict in relationships. It provides clear skills and exercises couples can practice together, which can be adapted to work in remote sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist works collaboratively to choose methods that match a client’s needs, goals, and comfort. This usually means combining approaches and adjusting plans over time based on what helps most.

Online formats such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules and families. These options make it easier to fit short, focused sessions into a week, practice skills in real time, and maintain continuity when meeting in person is difficult. Many people find the variety of online formats helps them stay consistent and apply what they learn between appointments.