Richard Hull, BACP

Client-centred work means the conversation follows the client’s priorities. The counsellor listens closely, reflects what he hears and helps people make sense of their feelings so they feel less alone and more able to choose a direction.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT looks at thought patterns and behaviours that keep problems going. Online sessions can include practical exercises and small experiments to try between meetings, which helps with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems.

Mindfulness therapy offers simple attention and breathing practices to calm a racing mind and reduce reactivity. These techniques are easy to practise in short bursts and can be guided during a video or phone session.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods suit their needs and goals. That choice is reviewed as therapy progresses and can be adapted over time.

Online sessions give practical flexibility. Video calls let the therapist and client work face to face when visual cues help. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or a client prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging suit brief check-ins, written reflection or times when typing feels easier than speaking. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life while keeping the focus on steady progress.