Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Benjamin Lara

Benjamin Lara, LCSW

Idaho

LCSW - Anxiety and Family origins

See online therapy options
  • CBT methods
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Mindfulness practice

About Benjamin

Benjamin Lara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Idaho with 11 years of practice helping adults manage anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship concerns, and family of origin issues. He works with people who are coping with life changes, grief, compassion fatigue, and stress. Sessions focus on practical steps and clear goals rather than abstract theory.

Benjamin uses approaches that keep conversations centered on the person in front of him. He relies on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify thoughts and behaviors that get in the way. He also uses motivational interviewing to help people clarify what matters and move toward change.

In sessions he listens without judgment and partners with clients to set short-term goals. Work may include skill practice for managing anxiety, strategies for sleep and eating concerns, or problem-solving for caregiving and career stress. He also supports clients navigating intimacy issues, ADHD-related challenges, and substance use concerns.

Benjamin has experience addressing more specific relationship and sexual-culture topics such as BDSM and kink, blended family concerns, and family problems rooted in childhood patterns. He also works with people facing chronic illness, pain, dissociation, and control or codependency struggles.

People can expect a straightforward, goal-focused style that mixes talk and skill-building. He encourages clear next steps between sessions and revisits what is or isn’t working. Prospective clients should confirm current session formats when booking.

How Benjamin’s approaches translate to online work

Benjamin often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in his work. ACT focuses on clarifying values and taking meaningful action even when feelings are uncomfortable, which can help with anxiety and life transitions. CBT looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers concrete skills for managing symptoms like worry, insomnia, or low mood. He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy ideas, which keep the session focused on the client's priorities and experience. That means the therapist and client will work together to choose which techniques to try and adjust them as needed. Figuring out the best fit is part of the early sessions and is done collaboratively. Confirm the specific session formats Benjamin currently offers before booking, as they are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Clients often find it helpful for maintaining regular appointments while managing work, caregiving, or health demands.

Areas of expertise

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

Listed in

Idaho

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he help with?

He works with anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family of origin issues, plus stress, grief, ADHD, and related problems.

What is his therapy style?

He uses a person-centered style that emphasizes practical goals and skill-building rather than abstract discussion.

How much experience does he have?

Benjamin has 11 years of clinical experience working with adults on a wide range of concerns.

What are his credentials and location?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Idaho.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions paid for?

Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.

Benjamin LaraLCSW

See online therapy options