Donna Jeane Pappas, LCMHC

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice and accept difficult thoughts while choosing actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and life changes where clarifying priorities matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning. It often helps with depression, anxiety, and coping skills. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship and listening that helps someone feel heard and understood, which supports change across many concerns.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Then she blends methods in a collaborative way so the plan fits the person’s needs and pace.

Online sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match practical needs. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and teaching exercises. Phone calls work well when bandwidth is limited or a verbal check-in is preferred. Live chat and text messaging are helpful for brief check-ins, quick coaching, or flexible communication between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy days and to continue progress from wherever someone is located.