Margaret Brannigan , BACP

How Margaret’s approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s perspective without judgement. Online sessions mirror that approach by allowing the counsellor to follow the client’s lead and create space for reflection, which suits issues like grief, low self-esteem and relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviours to see what changes. Delivered online, CBT often uses short exercises, written worksheets or brief behavioural experiments that can be done between sessions to tackle anxiety, depression and sleep problems.

Mindfulness techniques teach simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and improve focus. These practices work well in phone or video sessions and can be practised via short text prompts or guided audio between meetings.

Finding the right approach is part of the early work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and then agree a plan together. That collaborative process means approaches can be adjusted over time to fit the person’s needs and what feels most useful.

Online therapy offers flexibility and practical benefits. Video calls recreate face-to-face conversation while allowing people to join from different locations. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier when movement is limited. Live chat and text messaging suit brief check-ins, written reflection or those who prefer not to be on camera. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and everyday life.