Diane Smith, BACP

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people identify what matters to them and take small, values‑guided steps even when feelings are difficult. It often helps with anxiety, low mood and situations that feel stuck. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and teaches practical techniques to change unhelpful patterns; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression and stress. Attachment‑based work pays attention to how early relationships affect current ways of relating and can help people who notice repeating patterns in friendships and partnerships.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and Diane treats it as a team effort. She will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, and together they decide which methods to try first. That collaborative stance means plans change if something does not feel helpful.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to fit sessions into busy lives. Video calls allow face‑to‑face conversation from different locations, phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier when movement is needed, and live chat or text messaging can suit brief check‑ins or people who prefer writing. Registered or accredited professionals use these formats to make ongoing therapy more accessible and to support people in practical, goal‑focused ways.