Colin Frawley, BACP, NCPS

Client-centred therapy places the person’s concerns and goals at the heart of each session. Online this means the counsellor asks what matters most and follows the pace the client sets, whether over video or messaging. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, focuses on clear, practical steps to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. It is useful for anxiety, low mood and sleep problems and can be delivered through exercises, between-session tasks and discussion during video or phone sessions. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attentional skills and breathing practices to reduce rumination and stress. Short guided exercises work well in live chat, text messages and on calls.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Colin will discuss options and try methods collaboratively so clients find what helps. He tailors the mix of client-centred listening, CBT techniques and mindfulness practices to each person’s needs and preferences.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation; phone sessions suit people who prefer no video or have limited bandwidth. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check-ins, journalling between sessions or when someone needs shorter, more frequent contact. These formats make it easier to fit counselling around work, family or travel while keeping the focus on useful progress.