- Person-centered care
- Practical skills
- Experienced LCSW
About Benjamin
Benjamin Lara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with eleven years of experience helping people manage anxiety, depression, addiction, and other life challenges. He uses a person-centered approach that focuses each session on the client's goals and values. Benjamin aims to offer a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can talk through what matters to them and build practical steps forward.
He draws from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to help people identify unhelpful patterns and try new ways of coping. Mindfulness and acceptance-based ideas are woven into sessions to help with stress, chronic illness, and grief. The therapist uses straightforward language and concrete tools so people can use what they learn between sessions.
Benjamin works with concerns such as relationship difficulties, parenting strain, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, addiction, sleep and eating problems, and career stress. He also supports people dealing with chronic pain, caregiver burnout, blended family dynamics, and intimacy-related struggles. He aims to address both immediate problems and longer term coping skills.
Sessions are tailored to each person's needs and pace. Benjamin encourages collaboration on treatment goals and checks in often to make sure the plan is useful. He emphasizes respect and dignity in every interaction and focuses on helping people take realistic steps toward their goals.
He practices in Idaho and conducts sessions in English. People who want to start can expect a direct, practical approach that balances problem-solving with acceptance-based strategies.
He draws from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to help people identify unhelpful patterns and try new ways of coping. Mindfulness and acceptance-based ideas are woven into sessions to help with stress, chronic illness, and grief. The therapist uses straightforward language and concrete tools so people can use what they learn between sessions.
Benjamin works with concerns such as relationship difficulties, parenting strain, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, addiction, sleep and eating problems, and career stress. He also supports people dealing with chronic pain, caregiver burnout, blended family dynamics, and intimacy-related struggles. He aims to address both immediate problems and longer term coping skills.
Sessions are tailored to each person's needs and pace. Benjamin encourages collaboration on treatment goals and checks in often to make sure the plan is useful. He emphasizes respect and dignity in every interaction and focuses on helping people take realistic steps toward their goals.
He practices in Idaho and conducts sessions in English. People who want to start can expect a direct, practical approach that balances problem-solving with acceptance-based strategies.
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 Integrates Approaches for Online Work
Benjamin often blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ACT focuses on helping people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then move toward their values. CBT looks at thought and behavior patterns and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful habits and reduce symptoms.He also uses client-centered methods that prioritize the person's experience and pace. That means the therapist listens closely, reflects what he hears, and adapts techniques to each person's goals. Finding the right mix is a collaborative process and he checks in regularly to see what feels most useful.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week and to continue work from different locations. Please confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. The focus is on helping clients use therapeutic tools in everyday life, whether that means short check-ins, skill practice between meetings, or regular weekly sessions that build on each other.
Frequently asked questions
What types of concerns does this therapist address?
Benjamin helps with anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, ADHD, bipolar challenges, and stress related to caregiving or chronic illness.
How would you describe his therapy style?
He uses a person-centered style that combines cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and acceptance-based ideas to create practical, goal-driven sessions.
What can I expect from his experience?
Benjamin has eleven years of clinical experience working with a wide range of concerns including addiction, physical trauma, and end-of-life issues.
Where is this therapist located and what credentials does he hold?
He is based in Idaho and holds the LCSW credential, listed as LCSW.
Are sessions available in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are costs and billing handled?
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?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.