Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Rachael commonly uses client-centered methods and cognitive behavioral techniques when working with people online. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, validating experience, and helping clients set their own goals; it suits people who want a supportive space to talk through problems and make decisions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches specific skills to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management.

She also draws on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to help with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships. DBT skills are practical and can be practiced between sessions to handle strong emotions or conflict. Rachael treats the choice of approach as collaborative and will help clients figure out which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences during the first few conversations.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how people connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions can be quicker or use less bandwidth, and live chat or text messaging can work for brief check-ins or when someone prefers written communication. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and try different formats to see what feels most helpful.