Dr. Susan Frauenholtz, LISW, LCSW

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person. It gives people space to tell their story and name goals while the therapist reflects and supports their choices. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete exercises to shift unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and sleep or eating struggles. Motivational Interviewing helps people clarify mixed feelings about change and build their own reasons to try new behaviors, which can be useful for addictions or lifestyle shifts.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client talk about goals, try methods, and adjust based on what helps most. That means a plan can change over time and draw on different approaches as needed.

Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction for skill practice and deeper conversation. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth or visual setup is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for quick check-ins, brief coaching, or when someone prefers typing to speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules while keeping the focus on progress and usable tools.