Michael Dodden, NCPS

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or ACT helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. Online sessions can use ACT exercises to clarify what matters and to build small steps towards those aims, which is useful for depression, anxiety and life changes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT focuses on spotting and changing thought patterns and behaviours that keep problems going. In remote sessions clients may work on practical exercises between meetings, like behavioural experiments for sleep, worry or planning difficulties, so progress happens between calls.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide whether ACT, CBT or other methods fit best with their goals and daily life. This is a shared process that adapts as needs change.

Online formats offer flexibility for different rhythms and needs. Video calls support face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier when movement or camera use is difficult. Live chat and text messaging suit shorter check-ins, step-by-step coaching, or people who prefer writing to spoken sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and sleep schedules while keeping momentum between appointments.