James Slaton, LCSW

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions

Client-centered work focuses on listening and building an understanding of what matters to the person. It helps people gain confidence to make choices and take steps that fit their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and helps people try new behaviors to reduce anxiety or depression. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better relationships, which can be useful for intense emotions or difficulty managing impulses.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then suggest strategies from one or more methods. That collaboration means plans can be adjusted as needs change and progress is reviewed together.

Online therapy makes these approaches accessible in several ways. Video calls offer face-to-face discussion and a chance to practice skills in real time. Phone sessions are a good option when bandwidth is limited or a simpler check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging let people share thoughts in writing, use brief coaching between sessions, or follow up on homework without scheduling another call. These formats provide flexibility for busy schedules, work breaks, caregiving demands, or travel.