John Engebretson, LPC, LCPC

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Existential Therapy helps people name what matters most and confront big questions about purpose, responsibility, and change. In online sessions this can help when clients feel stuck, face life transitions, or are coping with grief and loss. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on a respectful, nonjudgmental conversation that follows the client’s lead and builds on their strengths. This approach is useful for people who need a steady, empathetic space to sort through feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going and uses practical exercises to change them. CBT is helpful for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and habits related to addiction or impulse control.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and try methods that fit their needs. Approaches may be combined or adjusted as work progresses so the plan stays relevant and useful.

Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls let people use visual cues and longer conversations when that helps. Phone sessions work well for shorter check-ins or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging let clients share updates between sessions and fit support into busy schedules. These options make it easier to keep continuity of care and to choose a format that matches each person’s life and needs.