Patience Parker, BACP

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening, empathy and following the client’s lead. In practice this means the counsellor reflects what is said, asks gentle questions and gives the client space to arrive at their own insights. This approach suits issues like low self-esteem, grief and relationship worries where people benefit from being heard.

That same person-focused way of working fits well with remote sessions because the emphasis is on the relationship rather than techniques. Patience will collaborate with each person to decide which approach feels right, adjusting pace and focus to match what the client wants and needs. This is a shared process where goals and methods are agreed together.

Online options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video helps keep some face-to-face contact, phone calls can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat supports shorter check-ins and messaging can suit people who prefer writing or need flexible timing. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving or mobility concerns and increase access for people outside the local area.