Kyran Croft Ilich, BACP

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Person-centred counselling focuses on creating a respectful, non-judgemental space where the person's concerns guide the work. In this approach the counsellor listens deeply, reflects what they hear and supports the client to find their own solutions; it is helpful for anxiety, low self-esteem and life transitions.

An integrative approach blends techniques from different evidence-based methods to suit the individual. That might include practical skill-building for managing stress, guided reflection on relationships and small behavioural experiments to test new ways of coping. It is useful when people have several overlapping concerns such as depression alongside chronic illness or caregiving stress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss what feels most relevant, try methods that fit the client's goals, and adjust the plan as progress is made. Clients take an active role in shaping what the work looks like.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy lives or limited local options. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be easier on days when being on camera feels hard, while live chat or text messaging suits shorter check-ins or when writing is more comfortable. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent and to work around work, caregiving or mobility constraints.