Tracy Polly, LCSW

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and following each person's lead. The therapist reflects what is said, helps people name their experience, and works with them to set goals that feel useful. This approach is helpful for people who want a supportive, respectful space to talk about parenting strain, relationships, or life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions include identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing new ways of responding. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and managing intense emotions.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase calm. These practices can help with stress, sleeping, and staying present during difficult moments.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick strategies that match goals, preferences, and daily life. That plan can change as progress is made.

Online sessions offer flexible options like video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation, phone can fit a quick check-in or lower bandwidth, and messaging or live chat work well for shorter check-ins or people who prefer writing. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into evenings, weekends, or busy schedules.