Sadia Khan, BACP

Client-centred therapy focuses on listening closely and following the person’s lead so they feel heard and understood. It helps when someone needs space to make sense of feelings and values without pressure to change quickly.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. It helps people recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and try practical experiments to reduce anxiety, low mood or stress.

Solution-focused therapy concentrates on small, specific steps that move a person toward their goals. It is often useful for people who want concrete ideas they can try between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about needs, goals and preferences and decide together which methods to use. This collaborative process can be adjusted as therapy progresses.

Online therapy offers flexibility and practical advantages. Video calls allow face-to-face discussion when visual cues matter. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is low or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging suit shorter check-ins, quick problem solving and people who find written conversation easier to start or maintain. Registered or accredited professionals can offer these formats so people can fit therapy around work, study and family life.