Layla Hernandez, LPC, LMHC

How emotion work and skills fit into online therapy

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on understanding and shifting emotional patterns in relationships and personal life. It helps people name core feelings, track how those feelings drive interactions, and try new emotional responses that feel more connected and effective.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches people to notice difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that match their values. It uses exercises that build psychological flexibility and can be helpful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches concrete skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, mood problems, and managing stress.

Picking the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they adjust methods over time instead of sticking to one fixed plan.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for shared exercises and face-to-face conversation, phone can be easier when bandwidth is low, live chat works for shorter check-ins, and messaging lets people reflect in writing between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy schedules.