Shlomo Lawrence, LMFT

How specific approaches are used in online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and supporting the person's own goals. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects feelings, and helps people clarify what they want to change or keep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replaces them with more practical patterns; it often uses homework and short skill practices for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured way to process distressing memories that can reduce their emotional intensity; it is often used for trauma and can be adapted for online work.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences, try techniques that fit, and adjust the plan over time. That means sessions may mix listening, skill practice, mindfulness exercises, and targeted trauma work as needed.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging which add flexibility. Video works well for longer sessions and exercises that use facial cues. Phone sessions can be a shorter check-in or work when bandwidth is limited. Chat and messaging let people check in between appointments or use written tools and brief coaching throughout the week. These options help people fit therapy into busy family, work, or caregiving schedules.