Crystal Ellis, LSCSW, LCSW

How somatic and talk-based approaches work online

Somatic-informed work helps people notice body sensations tied to stress and trauma and then try gentle, grounding practices to shift those reactions. It can be useful for anxiety, trauma responses, and feeling disconnected from the body. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and values, then taking small steps toward a meaningful life even when uncomfortable feelings remain. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and motivation. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and empathy so clients feel heard and can arrive at their own solutions; it supports emotional clarity and self-compassion.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. From there a plan is built together that may combine somatic practices, ACT exercises, and client-centered reflection depending on needs.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging makes it easier to fit sessions into busy lives. Video lets the therapist and client see body cues and demonstrate grounding moves. Messaging and chat can be used for brief check-ins, practice prompts, and skill reminders between sessions. The range of formats gives flexibility so people can use the methods that work best for them.