Deonna Crabtree, LPC

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and following the client's lead to build trust and clarify goals. In an online session this looks like space to tell your story, with the therapist reflecting and asking gentle questions to identify what matters most.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. Online CBT sessions often include short exercises, thought records, and homework the client can do between meetings to reduce anxiety or improve mood.

Motivational interviewing supports people who feel stuck or ambivalent about change. The therapist asks open questions and helps clients weigh their options so they can move toward goals at their own pace.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. That choice can shift over time as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for busy parents and caregivers. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when schedules permit, phone sessions work well for lower bandwidth or walking meetings, and live chat or text messaging can be used for brief check-ins and consistent support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit counseling into a workday, a child’s nap time, or other routines.