Shanna Downing, LCSW

Therapeutic approaches that work in online care

Shanna often uses client-centered therapy to make sessions feel personal and respectful. This approach focuses on listening, understanding each person’s values, and shaping conversations around their goals. It helps when someone needs space to be heard and to decide what change should look like for them.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and to practice different ways of responding. CBT is practical and problem-focused, which many people find useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Mindfulness techniques are woven in to help reduce reactivity and to build small daily practices for calm and focus.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That exploration is gradual and adjusted as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual cues matter. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can work well for check-ins. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief updates, skill reminders, or when someone prefers writing between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep consistent momentum toward goals.