Gayle Nykerk-Jones, BACP

Approaches for online therapy and what they involve

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting ruled by them, then focus on small actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, low mood and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions link together and offers simple tools to shift unhelpful patterns; it is often used for stress, depression and anxiety. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises listening and understanding; the therapist offers empathy and respect while the person leads the pace and topics of sessions.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Gayle will discuss goals and preferences and together with the client decide which methods to try. That collaborative choice shapes session plans and practical exercises as therapy progresses.

Online sessions can be delivered by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging to fit different routines. Video allows face-to-face connection and visual cues, phone calls need less bandwidth and can be easier when movement is limited, and chat or messaging can be used for brief check-ins or ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caring responsibilities or geographical distance, and support continuity when life is busy.