Julia Davis, LCMHC

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Existential therapy focuses on questions of meaning, choice, and responsibility. In online sessions this often becomes straightforward conversation about values, life direction, and the everyday decisions that feel heavy. It can help people coping with grief, major life changes, or a sense of aimlessness.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, teaches ways to notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and to take action that aligns with personal values. Online ACT sessions typically include short exercises, values clarification, and practical commitments to try between meetings.

Attachment-Based ideas look at patterns in how a person relates to others and themselves. In teletherapy this means talking through relationship histories, noticing repeated interaction styles, and practicing new ways of connecting that feel safer and more satisfying.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic work. The therapist collaborates with each person to figure out which methods match their goals and preferences. That can mean starting with conversational, meaning-focused work and adding skill-building exercises over time.

Online formats offer real flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when nonverbal cues matter. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier during a busy day. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for brief check-ins, journaling-style reflections, or when someone prefers not to be on camera. These options help therapy fit into work, care responsibilities, and varied schedules while keeping the focus on practical progress.