- Person-centered
- Goal focused
- Nonjudgmental care
About Benjamin
Benjamin Lara is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who helps people facing anxiety, depression, addictions, physical trauma, end of life concerns, and related struggles. He uses a direct, nonjudgmental style and focuses sessions on each persons goals. Reaching out for help is often hard, and he acknowledges that step as a sign of strength.
Benjamin centers sessions on the person in front of him. He adapts his approach to what the individual needs that day. Conversations tend to be practical and goal oriented, with attention to the issues that feel most urgent to the client.
He commonly draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to challenge unhelpful thinking and on motivational interviewing to support change when people feel stuck. Mindfulness and acceptance-based ideas are woven into sessions to help with stress, grief, and coping with life changes.
Across 11 years of practice he has worked with concerns such as relationship difficulties, caregiver stress, intimacy matters, eating and sleeping problems, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder. He also addresses topics sometimes left out of other settings, such as BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, and blended family or family of origin issues.
Benjamin practices in Idaho and offers counseling in English. He approaches work with respect and dignity and aims to create a calm space where people can talk through difficult decisions and build skills to move forward.
Benjamin centers sessions on the person in front of him. He adapts his approach to what the individual needs that day. Conversations tend to be practical and goal oriented, with attention to the issues that feel most urgent to the client.
He commonly draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to challenge unhelpful thinking and on motivational interviewing to support change when people feel stuck. Mindfulness and acceptance-based ideas are woven into sessions to help with stress, grief, and coping with life changes.
Across 11 years of practice he has worked with concerns such as relationship difficulties, caregiver stress, intimacy matters, eating and sleeping problems, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder. He also addresses topics sometimes left out of other settings, such as BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, and blended family or family of origin issues.
Benjamin practices in Idaho and offers counseling in English. He approaches work with respect and dignity and aims to create a calm space where people can talk through difficult decisions and build skills to move forward.
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 Benjamin's Approaches Translate to Online Work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on clarifying what matters most to a person and taking action in line with those values. It helps with stress, grief, and coping with life changes by reducing struggles with unwanted thoughts and improving committed action. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that helps people find their own reasons and motivation to change, often used with addictions or when someone feels stuck.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick or blend methods based on their goals and preferences. That choice can shift over time as needs change and progress is made.
Because the biography does not list specific session formats, confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier, help fit sessions into a busy day, and allow shorter check-ins when time is limited. It can also make it simpler to continue therapy through life transitions or when attending in-person sessions is difficult. Licensed professionals adapt tools like ACT, CBT, and motivational interviewing to fit remote conversations so people can keep moving toward their goals.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist help with?
The practice supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, trauma, and end of life concerns, among other issues such as relationship, parenting, and caregiver stress.
How would you describe the therapist's approach and style?
Sessions are person-centered and nonjudgmental, with practical, goal-oriented work. Techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing are often used.
What experience does the therapist bring?
The clinician has 11 years of experience working with a wide range of concerns including trauma, addictions, mood disorders, and end of life matters.
What credentials and location are listed?
This therapist is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, and practices in Idaho.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking since specific formats are not listed in the biography.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on the therapist's availability.