Prof. Michael McGaugh, LPC

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding each person's experience and building a respectful, nonjudgmental space. In online sessions that means the therapist listens closely and follows the client's lead to identify what feels most important. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect; it teaches clear tools for changing unhelpful thinking and behavior, which works well over video or phone because homework and skill practice are easy to share and review. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people identify and shift painful emotional patterns in relationships; in remote sessions it can be used to notice interaction patterns, name emotions, and try new responses during or between meetings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose or mix methods based on goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. That collaborative process may start with trying a technique, checking how it lands, and adjusting over time.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video lets people use visual cues and try experiential exercises, phone sessions need less bandwidth and can fit into a short break, live chat and messaging are helpful for quick check-ins or when writing feels easier. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life and to continue work on stress, anxiety, relationships, or skill-building across different settings.