Marla Monk, LCSW, LISW-CP

How these approaches work online

Emotionally-Focused Therapy focuses on identifying core emotions and changing the interaction patterns that keep people stuck. It is often used for relationship and intimacy concerns and for helping people respond differently to emotional triggers. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, empathic space where a person’s own goals guide the work. This approach helps people feel heard and develop their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical tools to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, try different techniques when useful, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. Clients and the therapist work together to match methods to the person’s needs and preferences rather than relying on a single model.

Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when schedules or travel make in-person visits difficult. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging make it possible to get support between sessions or when it’s easier to express thoughts in writing. These options aim to make therapy easier to fit into daily life while keeping the focus on progress and real-world change.