Taya Bassett, NCPS

Practical approaches for online therapy and change

Two evidence-based techniques often used are solution-focused work and trauma-informed care. Solution-focused work concentrates on small, realistic steps and what is already working, which helps when stress, motivation or confidence is the issue. Trauma-informed care pays attention to the impact of past hurt and aims to make sessions steady and predictable for people recovering from trauma or abuse.

Another commonly used approach is skills-based coping work. This teaches practical tools for managing anxiety, anger or sleeping problems, such as brief grounding exercises and routine changes that can be practised between sessions. These methods suit people who want straightforward strategies they can try right away.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then try methods that fit. If something does not feel helpful, the plan is adjusted together until it works better for the individual.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet rather than a single option. Video calls let people use face-to-face conversation when bandwidth allows, phone sessions avoid being on camera and can be easier during a short break, live chat is useful for quick check-ins, and text-based messaging supports ongoing, short-form contact. These formats make it simpler to fit therapy around work, family life or medical commitments and allow people to continue care even when travel or scheduling is difficult.