Dr. Deandriea Bass-Carrigan, LPC

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, listening-first space where the client sets goals and pace; online sessions carry this same emphasis on empathy and collaboration and are useful for exploring stress, relationship concerns, and self-esteem issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors; it translates well to video or messaging because homework, thought records, and behavior experiments can be shared and reviewed between sessions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for managing strong emotions and improving distress tolerance; skills coaching and practice can be delivered through calls, chat, or text so clients can rehearse strategies when they need them.

Finding the right approach often happens together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before, then recommend which methods to try first. That plan can change as progress is made, and sessions remain collaborative throughout.

Online formats offer flexibility for different situations. Video calls allow a face-to-face conversation and screen-sharing for worksheets, phone sessions use less bandwidth and suit shorter check-ins, live chat can be helpful for more immediate written reflection, and text-based messaging supports ongoing brief check-ins and coaching between appointments. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, family, and life rhythms while using the therapist’s chosen approaches.