Robert Aerts , LMFT

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to distress and teaching practical skills to change those patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and problems with coping and attention. Narrative Therapy invites clients to examine the stories they tell about their lives and to re-author those stories in ways that reflect their values and strengths; it can be helpful for identity work, trauma recovery, and navigating life changes. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on defining clear goals and identifying small, achievable steps that move a person toward those goals, making it useful for short-term challenges and practical problem solving.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and the therapist works collaboratively with each client to determine what fits best based on the client’s needs, goals, and preferences. That collaboration means approaches may be adapted over time as priorities and circumstances evolve.

Online therapy offers flexibility that supports that collaborative work. Video calls allow for face-to-face interaction from home, phone sessions provide an audio-only option, and live chat or text-based messaging can be used for shorter check-ins or when scheduling is tight. These options make it easier to maintain consistency in care and to access licensed professionals from different locations, while still focusing on meaningful progress and practical strategies.