Diana Norton, LCSW

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s own goals and perspective, offering empathetic listening and partnership to help people name what matters. It works well for issues like depression, grief, and life-purpose questions because sessions follow the client’s pace and priorities.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It often uses short exercises, homework, and step-by-step plans to reduce anxiety, manage phobias, and improve sleep. This makes it easy to use in video or phone sessions where the therapist can review worksheets and coach new habits.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) adds skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. Those concrete tools help when feelings feel overwhelming or when relationships are strained, and they can be practiced between sessions using messaging or brief check-ins.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to identify which methods match a person’s goals, needs, and daily life. Together they adjust techniques as progress is made and priorities change.

Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction for skills practice and role-play, phone sessions can fit into a work break and use less data, and live chat or text messaging support quick check-ins and ongoing coaching. These options help people maintain consistency and apply new skills in real time.