Sarah Slade, BACP

Client-Centred Therapy is about following the person’s lead. The counsellor offers listening, acceptance and reflection to help people feel understood and explore what matters most to them. This approach often helps when someone needs space to make sense of difficult feelings. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It uses practical exercises and simple techniques to challenge unhelpful thinking and build new habits. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, low mood and stress management. Finding the right approach is part of the work itself. The therapist will talk with the client about needs, goals and preferences and agree on a way forward together. That collaborative process means methods can be adjusted as progress is made. Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let conversations feel face-to-face while fitting into a busy day. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging allow shorter, written exchanges and can suit people who prefer to write rather than speak. Registered or accredited professionals provide these options so therapy can fit around work, family and travel commitments, and help people keep continuity of care.