Allyson Coats, LPCC

Approaches that translate to online care

Client-centered therapy emphasizes active listening and following what matters to the client. In practice this means sessions focus on the person’s priorities and pace, rather than a strict, one-size-fits-all plan.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches people to notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It often uses short exercises and homework to shift thinking patterns that feed anxiety or depression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, offers concrete skills for managing emotions and improving relationships. It can help with strong emotions, impulsivity, and building routines that reduce distress.

Allyson treats choosing an approach as a collaborative process. She will talk with each client about goals, try methods that match those goals, and adjust as needed. The plan can change over time based on what helps most.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and screen sharing for worksheets. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a short break. Live chat or text messaging can work for brief check-ins, written reflection, or when typing feels easier than speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep momentum between meetings.