Randal Withers, LCMHC

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-centered therapy puts the client's goals and experience at the center. The therapist listens closely, reflects what matters most, and follows the client's lead to build trust and clarity. This approach helps when someone needs space to talk through life transitions, grief, or relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. It is practical and skill-based, useful for anxiety, depression, and managing cravings in addiction recovery. Sessions often include homework and simple exercises to practice between meetings.

Motivational Interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change. It uses open questions and reflective listening to strengthen motivation and resolve mixed feelings about change. This is often combined with other approaches when working on substance use or lifestyle shifts.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, needs, and preferences and then suggest ways to combine methods. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made as therapy progresses.

Online therapy makes these approaches flexible. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and full session work. Phone sessions are useful for shorter check-ins or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging let people share between sessions, track thoughts, and get brief support without scheduling a full call. These formats help fit therapy into busy schedules and different daily routines.