Shannon Julianne Toy, MD, LCSW-C, LCSW

How these therapeutic approaches work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people name what matters most and take small, values-driven steps even when difficult feelings show up. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and navigating life changes by focusing on action more than fighting feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and teaches practical skills to change patterns that cause distress. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and eating-related struggles. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and collaboration so clients feel understood and can steer their own goals; it supports work on identity, relationships, and self-esteem.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works together with each person to choose which methods to try based on current needs, goals, and what feels most comfortable. Those decisions can be adjusted over time if something isn’t working well.

Online therapy offers flexibility that fits busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when more depth is needed. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier when hands-free is preferred. Live chat or text-based messaging can work for shorter check-ins, ongoing support, or when writing feels more natural. These options help people fit therapy into work, caregiving, or irregular schedules while keeping the focus on practical change and support.