Christy Alten , LPC-MH, LMHC

Practical Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly called CBT, is a structured approach that helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with life transitions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, combines skill-building in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be particularly helpful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and challenges with self-control.

The Gottman Method focuses on couples work by improving communication, conflict management, and emotional connection; it is useful when relationship patterns are causing distress or disconnection.

Christy uses these evidence-informed approaches as part of a collaborative process. She works with clients to explore which methods fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds so the work stays practical and relevant.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging makes these approaches accessible and flexible. Remote sessions can reduce travel time, allow scheduling outside conventional office hours, and support continuity of care for people juggling work, family, or geographic limitations. Licensed professionals can deliver structured CBT exercises, DBT skills coaching, and Gottman-informed couples work effectively through these remote formats, helping clients engage in therapy in ways that fit their daily lives.