Brian Smerdon

How evidence-based approaches translate to online therapy

The clinician commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that contribute to anxiety or stress, and the approach often includes practical exercises to practice between sessions. He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy principles that prioritize empathy and the client's own goals, creating space for people to explore feelings and make decisions at their own pace. Mindfulness Therapy is used to develop present-moment awareness and coping skills that can reduce reactivity and support emotion regulation.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each client to weigh treatment options and tailor methods to the person's goals, preferences, and life circumstances rather than applying a single technique from the outset. This collaborative stance helps ensure the work fits the individual rather than expecting the client to fit the method.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which provide flexibility for people balancing work, family, or mobility constraints. These options make it easier to maintain consistent appointments, try short check-ins between meetings, and access therapy from different locations while keeping the focus on practical strategies and progress toward the client's goals.