Malcolm Mitchell, BACP

Practical approaches for online therapy and trauma work

Malcolm uses a few different approaches that can be helpful in online settings. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people build safer, more trusting ways of relating to themselves and others. It can be useful for people whose past hurts affect current connections.

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding. The therapist follows the person’s lead, offering empathy and acceptance while helping them find their own solutions. This style supports people who need space to make sense of difficult experiences without pressure.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It teaches practical techniques to challenge unhelpful thinking and build new coping habits, which many people find useful for anxiety, low mood and managing cravings.

Deciding which approach to use is a joint process. Malcolm will work with each person to identify goals, try methods that suit their needs, and adapt the plan as progress is made. That collaborative approach helps people test what feels most helpful.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits shorter check-ins and text messaging supports ongoing reflection between appointments. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit around work, caregiving and travel.