Catharine "Cathy" Douglas, NCPS

Talking therapies and approaches online

Client-centred therapy places the person at the heart of the work and focuses on listening, empathy and building self-understanding. It helps people who want to talk through feelings, improve self-esteem and find their own solutions. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices alongside reflection to reduce stress and ground a person in the present. It can help with anxiety, stress and coping with overwhelming emotions. Solution-focused therapy concentrates on practical steps and small changes that move someone towards their goals, which suits people looking for short-term progress and clearer next steps.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process and the therapist will work collaboratively to find what fits best. Together they will consider the person's needs, goals and preferences and try methods that feel helpful, adjusting as progress is made.

Online therapy here can be delivered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for face-to-face conversation and non-verbal cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and messaging suit people who prefer writing, need flexibility in timing, or want to reflect between messages. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, parenting or travel and offer practical ways to keep continuity of care.