Irene Kepler, LMSW, LCSW

How somatic and skills-based approaches work online

Somatic Therapy brings attention to body sensations and movement to help notice and reduce physical tension that ties to stress and trauma. It can be useful for people who feel their emotions in the body and want ways to calm nervous system responses.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and trying small experiments to change them. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, offers concrete skills for managing strong emotions and improving relationships, such as distress tolerance and emotion regulation.

Finding the right blend of techniques is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, comfort level, and pace. That might mean mixing somatic noticing with CBT exercises and mindfulness practices over several sessions.

Online therapy makes these options accessible through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats allow people to fit therapy into busy schedules, continue work during transitions, or use shorter check-ins between longer sessions. Many clients find the flexibility helps keep progress steady while adapting the approach as needs change.