Catherine Sechrist

How evidence-based approaches fit into online therapy

CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, panic, and obsessive-compulsive concerns by teaching practical skills and structured exercises. ACT emphasizes clarifying personal values and learning acceptance and mindfulness strategies to move toward meaningful goals, which can be helpful for stress, grief, and chronic worry. Client-centered therapy centers the relationship and a nonjudgmental therapeutic stance, creating space for clients to explore their experience and build self-directed insight.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. Catherine works with clients to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then combines or adapts methods to suit the person rather than applying a single fixed model. This collaborative pacing helps shape short- and longer-term plans that reflect what matters to the client.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility: video calls allow face-to-face connection from home, phone sessions remove the need for video when preferred, and live chat or text-based messaging can support ongoing check-ins and skill practice between sessions. These options can make it easier to maintain regular contact, fit sessions into a busy schedule, and access therapeutic tools when they are most needed.