Dana Wester, BACP

Therapeutic approaches and remote sessions

Many clients benefit from person-centred work, which focuses on being listened to and understood. This approach helps people clarify their own goals and build confidence to make changes. Cognitive-behavioural techniques are also commonly used to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try practical ways to change them, which can reduce anxiety and low mood.

Creative approaches such as art or play techniques can be offered when words are hard to find. These methods give another route to express feelings and to practise new ways of coping with trauma, loss or identity issues. The therapist will explain options and suggest what might suit a person’s situation best.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals and preferences. Together they review what helps, adapt methods if needed, and set small steps to try between sessions.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people meet face to face when travel is difficult. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a lunch break. Live chat and text-based messaging suit shorter check-ins or when writing feels easier than talking. These options make it simpler to keep consistent progress around busy lives.