Tanya McClung, LCMHC, MD, LCPC

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship. It gives people space to tell their story while the therapist listens and reflects back what matters most. This approach helps when someone feels stuck or needs help sorting emotions and priorities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, targets the thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. It breaks issues into small, workable steps and gives concrete exercises to try between sessions. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress because it teaches skills that can be practiced outside of session.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, adds skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication. It includes techniques for distress tolerance, mindfulness, and balancing change with acceptance. These tools can help when mood swings or relationship conflict feel overwhelming.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to see which methods fit their goals and preferences. That may mean trying one approach first, then mixing in tools from others as needs change.

Online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation; phone sessions can be a simpler option when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging offer brief check-ins, notes, or skill coaching between longer sessions. Together these formats increase flexibility and help people keep momentum with their work.