Tara McBrearty, LCSW

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-centered work focuses on the person's goals and feelings, giving the therapist a listening, nonjudgmental stance that helps people clarify what they want to change. This approach is useful for relationship and self-esteem concerns because it keeps the work grounded in each person's priorities.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and teaches practical skills to shift them. It is helpful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and habits that interfere with daily life because it breaks problems into manageable steps.

Mindfulness techniques teach simple ways to return attention to the present moment and reduce reactivity. These skills can lower stress, help with sleep, and make it easier to notice triggers without acting on them.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the person about their goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan as needed. This is a collaborative process shaped by the client's needs and preferences.

Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls let people see facial cues during deeper conversations, phone sessions require less bandwidth and can be easier on busy days, and live chat or text-based messaging works well for brief check-ins or when written reflection helps. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or other life demands while keeping the focus on progress and real-world change.