Anna Ozbey, BACP

How these approaches work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then commit to small actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress and feelings of emptiness. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on giving the person space to be heard and understood; the counsellor mirrors what is said and helps the person make sense of their own experience. It suits people who need a steady, listening presence while they work through difficult emotions. Solution-Focused Therapy looks at what is already working and builds on small, practical changes to achieve clear goals; it is helpful for short-term problems and when someone wants quick, actionable steps.

Finding the best approach is part of the work together. The counsellor will discuss goals, preferences and what has helped in the past, then try methods that fit the person and the issue. Sessions are collaborative and can shift over time as needs change.

Online sessions offer flexibility and practical benefits. Video calls provide face-to-face conversation when more connection is useful. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging let people write through thoughts and use therapy in more frequent, smaller moments. These formats make it simpler to fit therapy around work, caring responsibilities and different schedules, while keeping the focus on progress and useful next steps.