Heather Baker, LPC

Approaches that translate well to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship. In sessions the therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what is said, and helps clarify goals; this approach is helpful for people who want a supportive space to talk through parenting stress, grief, or identity concerns.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions include practical exercises such as tracking thoughts, testing beliefs, and practicing new behaviors, which work well over video or chat for people dealing with anxiety, depression, or communication problems.

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. Skills like distress tolerance and emotion regulation can be practiced in sessions and reinforced between meetings via messaging or brief check-ins.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods that match those goals, and adjust plans based on what is helpful. Clients and the therapist decide together which strategies to keep using and which to change.

Online formats offer flexible ways to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls are useful for a full conversational session, phone sessions work when bandwidth is limited, live chat can be a quicker check-in, and text messaging supports short ongoing skill practice. These options let people access consistent care without long commutes and make it easier to schedule around work or parenting responsibilities.