Dr. Ana Cristina Atanes, BACP

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice what matters to them and take small steps towards those values, even while uncomfortable thoughts remain. It often uses simple exercises to build flexibility around difficult feelings. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing out new behaviours; it is useful for anxiety, low mood and sleep problems and often includes clear tasks between sessions. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present moment awareness and self-compassion practices that can reduce stress and burnout and improve coping with chronic pain.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk about different options, check what feels manageable and adapt techniques to the person’s goals and circumstances. Over a few sessions they will refine the plan so methods match what is actually helpful.

Online working offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, while phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a short break. Live chat and text-based messaging suit people who prefer writing or want brief check-ins between appointments. These options make it easier to keep continuity of care across distances and busy schedules.