Approaches that translate well to online care

Dr. Subbiah often uses client-centered work to create a respectful, listening space where the person's concerns guide each session. This approach helps people feel heard and helps set priorities for change.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and to build new habits. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, which fits well with video or phone sessions that focus on skill-building and homework between meetings.

Mindfulness techniques are another commonly used tool, helping people notice bodily cues and calm attention during stressful moments. These practices can be taught and practiced in short exercises during any session format.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk through options and tailor methods to a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. That means trying techniques, checking what helps, and adjusting plans together over time.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility: video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions work when bandwidth is limited or a quieter audio check-in is preferred, and live chat or text-based messaging can be used for brief check-ins, coaching-like support, or to record ideas between sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while keeping focus on progress and coping skills.