Sonia Wiesner, LPC

Using practical approaches in online therapy

Client-centered therapy puts the person at the center of the work. The therapist listens carefully and follows the client's pace, helping parents name priorities and decide what changes matter most. This approach is useful when someone needs validation and an honest plan rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions use simple exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes that reduce anxiety or improve parenting responses. CBT often suits people managing stress, anxiety, or mood concerns.

Dialectical behavior therapy, DBT, offers concrete tools for handling intense emotions and improving communication. It teaches skills for distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and better interactions during conflict, which can be helpful for difficult family moments.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk through goals, try different techniques, and adjust based on what works. Clients and the therapist decide together whether to emphasize CBT skills, DBT strategies, mindfulness, or a mix that fits the situation.

Online formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy family schedules. Video calls let people work face-to-face when deeper conversation helps. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be easier during a short break. Live chat and text messaging support quick check-ins and ongoing practice between meetings. These options create flexibility for parents balancing many responsibilities.