Benjamin Lara, LCSW

Benjamin Lara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 11 years of practice. He focuses on thoughts and everyday habits to help people manage anxiety, depression, addictions, and stress. He aims to make sessions feel straightforward and focused on real goals. Benjamin emphasizes respect and a non-judgmental approach in every meeting.

He uses a person-centered style to shape sessions around what matters to each person. That means conversations begin with the client's priorities, then practical steps follow. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing are part of his toolbox, used to identify unhelpful thinking and to build new patterns. Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ideas are woven in when helpful.

Benjamin has worked across a wide range of concerns, from trauma and grief to relationship and family stress. He also supports people facing burnout, caregiver strain, chronic illness, and issues related to sexuality and kink culture. His practice includes attention to eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, and career transitions.

Sessions are collaborative and direct. He will listen, reflect, and offer concrete strategies to try between meetings. Coaching-style work is available when clients want focused, goal-oriented support alongside therapy techniques.

Benjamin practices in Idaho and conducts sessions in English. To begin, prospective clients use the platform's Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to availability.

How therapy approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choosing actions that match personal values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce distress and build healthier habits. It is often used for anxiety, mood, and sleep difficulties. Client-Centered Therapy centers the conversation on the person's experience, offering reflective listening and support while clients decide goals and next steps.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try different techniques, and adjust based on what feels useful. That way sessions combine practical tools with the person's own priorities and values.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. The practical benefits often include fitting therapy into a busy schedule, shorter check-ins when needed, and options that reduce travel time. Online work can make it easier to continue weekly practice, try behavioral experiments between meetings, and bring real-life situations into discussion without needing to rearrange a full day.