Carrie Collier, LPC

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Attachment-based work looks at how people relate to others and to themselves. Online sessions can focus on identifying patterns from past relationships and trying new ways of connecting and responding in current relationships. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice thoughts and feelings without being driven by them while moving toward valued goals; it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions online or on the phone. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns, which works well in brief exercises and homework between video sessions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to choose methods that match their goals, comfort level, and day-to-day life. Together they try techniques, review what helps, and adjust the plan over time to fit what the client finds most useful.

Online therapy offers flexibility and several ways to connect. Video calls let sessions feel much like in-person meetings. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging allow short check-ins, quick skills practice, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, parenting, or other routines.