Shirley Colee, LMHC

How therapeutic approaches fit into online care

Shirley uses the Gottman Method to address communication and connection in relationships; this approach focuses on practical exercises and skills that help people talk differently and repair trust. Client-Centered Therapy forms the core of how she listens and responds, offering acceptance and empathy while people explore what matters most to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, provides concrete tools to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns that feed anxiety, depression, and stress.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. Shirley discusses goals and preferences with each person and adjusts methods as needed. That partnership helps identify which techniques are most useful for managing grief, coping with trauma, improving communication, or reducing impulsivity and addictive behaviors.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for busy lives. Video calls let people read facial cues and practice conversations in real time. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging allow ongoing support between sessions and work well for tracking progress, quick coping prompts, or when writing feels more comfortable than talking. These options create flexibility so people can fit care into work, caregiving, or travel schedules.