Ivan Resto, LCMHC, LPC

Approaches that translate well to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, listening space where the client guides what matters most. This approach is useful for parents and individuals who need a calm place to sort priorities and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns; it often helps with anxiety, panic, and mood problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improved communication skills, which can be helpful for intense reactions and relationship stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose or mix methods based on goals, needs, and what feels comfortable. Sessions often start with simple strategies and then adapt as progress and preferences become clearer.

Online sessions use video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video is useful when demonstrations or visual cues help learning. Phone sessions can be a quicker check-in or easier on low bandwidth. Live chat and text let people send shorter updates or practice skills between meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy into parenting schedules, work breaks, or days when leaving home is difficult.