Benjamin Lara, LCSW
Experienced LCSW focused on practical change
Continue with Benjamin
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- Person-centered care
- Goal-focused methods
- Mindfulness informed
About Benjamin
Benjamin Lara is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 11 years of experience. He offers straightforward, person-centered counseling that focuses on each client’s goals and strengths. He speaks English and practices from Idaho, and he approaches sessions without judgment or hurry.
Benjamin draws on practical methods to address stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and major life changes. He uses clear, goal-oriented conversation to help people sort priorities and try new behaviors. He also supports people dealing with grief, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, and challenges tied to caregiving and chronic illness.
His work regularly incorporates cognitive behavioral ideas and motivational interviewing techniques. That means sessions often include noticing unhelpful thoughts, testing small actions, and building motivation for change. He also uses client-centered and mindfulness-based ways of working to keep the focus on the person in front of him.
Benjamin has experience with topics such as ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, eating and sleep problems, and issues related to kink and alternative sex culture. He also helps people navigate family-of-origin problems, blended family tensions, and separation or divorce questions.
He aims to treat people with dignity and respect while helping them take practical steps forward. If you prefer a collaborative, down-to-earth counselor who listens and helps make a plan, he may be a fit.
Benjamin draws on practical methods to address stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and major life changes. He uses clear, goal-oriented conversation to help people sort priorities and try new behaviors. He also supports people dealing with grief, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, and challenges tied to caregiving and chronic illness.
His work regularly incorporates cognitive behavioral ideas and motivational interviewing techniques. That means sessions often include noticing unhelpful thoughts, testing small actions, and building motivation for change. He also uses client-centered and mindfulness-based ways of working to keep the focus on the person in front of him.
Benjamin has experience with topics such as ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, eating and sleep problems, and issues related to kink and alternative sex culture. He also helps people navigate family-of-origin problems, blended family tensions, and separation or divorce questions.
He aims to treat people with dignity and respect while helping them take practical steps forward. If you prefer a collaborative, down-to-earth counselor who listens and helps make a plan, he may be a fit.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
Additional focus areas
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy
Experience
11+ years
Credentials
Idaho
Languages
English
How these approaches translate to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values, often focusing on accepting difficult thoughts so they get less in the way. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and tests small, practical experiments to shift how someone feels. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, respect, and a collaborative pace so the person sets the agenda.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Benjamin will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan based on how it’s going.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. They also let people try different ways of working from wherever they are while still keeping the focus on practical change and goal progress.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Benjamin commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, trauma, relationship and intimacy issues, and many life transitions.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a person-centered, non-judgmental approach that emphasizes clients’ goals and practical steps toward change.
How much clinical experience does he have?
Benjamin has 11 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker working with a wide range of mental health concerns.
Where is he based and what credential does he hold?
He practices from Idaho and holds the credential LCSW, which stands for licensed clinical social worker.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted; he works with clients within his permitted regions.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.