Matthew Sheft, LICSW, LCSW

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on the person's priorities and goals, offering a listening space where the therapist reflects and clarifies what matters most. This approach helps people who need support sorting feelings and deciding next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills for changing unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress related to work or parenting. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills which can help when strong emotions and relationship strain are present.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try strategies, and adjust methods over time. That collaborative process helps match techniques to what the person actually needs and prefers.

Online therapy formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and teaching skills with visual cues. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Chat and messaging offer flexibility for brief updates, coaching-style support, or when someone prefers writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy days and to continue care across locations.