Benjamin Lara, LCSW

Benjamin Lara is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on practical, goal-oriented therapy. He blends straightforward talk with techniques that help people manage anxiety, stress, addictions, depression, and relationship or family concerns.

He draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and client-centered methods to shape sessions around a person's needs. That means sessions are focused on what the person wants to change and concrete steps to get there. Benjamin keeps a nonjudgmental tone and aims to make talking about difficult topics easier.

Across 11 years of practice he has supported people through trauma and abuse, grief, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, and issues around intimacy and sexual identity. He also works with concerns such as sleep and eating problems, anger, bipolar mood issues, and life transitions. Additional focus areas include blended family challenges, codependency, and substance use concerns.

Sessions may include skills practice, values-based goal work, and brief motivational conversations to help people notice what matters and act on it. He prefers a collaborative approach that centers a person's goals and strengths, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

Benjamin is based in Idaho and holds the LCSW credential, which appears as LCSW. He offers sessions in English and uses multiple remote formats to meet people where they are.

Approach and care through online therapy

Benjamin uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and try practical behavior changes that reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and address mood concerns. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take committed steps toward a meaningful life even when difficult feelings remain.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress and needs change. That teaming makes it easier to test what helps and move toward clear, manageable goals.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is useful for in-depth conversations and skills practice. Phone calls need less bandwidth and can fit a break at work. Live chat or text-based messaging can support brief check-ins, journaling exercises, or when someone prefers not to be on camera. These options aim to make therapy flexible and easier to fit into everyday life.