Benjamin Lara

Practical, person-centered therapy with CBT influence

LCSW Idaho

Experience: 11 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Benjamin

Benjamin Lara is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 11 years of experience offering focused, person-centered counseling. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing with a nonjudgmental, client-centered stance to tailor sessions to each person’s goals and strengths.

Background and approach

Benjamin emphasizes treating people with dignity and respect while helping them navigate anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, and complex life transitions. His practice addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, relationship and family difficulties, grief, intimacy and sexual culture issues, eating and sleeping problems, chronic pain and illness, and caregiver stress.

He also works with issues such as ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, codependency, communication struggles, and recovery from domestic violence or substance use. Benjamin frames therapy as a collaborative process that invites clients to build on their resilience and take practical steps toward meaningful change.

Based in Idaho, he offers flexible online session options and applies mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies when helpful. Prospective clients can expect an approachable clinician who prioritizes individualized care and practical tools to support coping, growth, and improved functioning.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Benjamin commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to guide online work. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning, and it is often useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. ACT emphasizes values-driven action and learning to relate differently to painful thoughts and feelings, which can help with grief, chronic pain, and coping with life changes.

Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with clients to explore their goals, preferences, and life context, and then adapt methods from CBT, ACT, client-centered work, or motivational interviewing as needed to fit the person’s needs.

Online therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for varying schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from Idaho without traveling, and they allow therapists and clients to maintain ongoing work through formats that suit each person’s daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he address?

He works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family problems, intimacy issues, eating and sleeping concerns, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, ADHD, bipolar, and career or life transitions.

What is his therapeutic style and approach?

Therapy is person-centered and collaborative, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution-focused ideas to tailor care to each client.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He brings 11 years of clinical experience working with people across a variety of mental health and life challenges.

Where is he licensed and practicing?

He is a licensed clinical social worker in Idaho, credentialed as LCSW with ID LCSW LCSW-35776.

Does he offer services in multiple languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsLGBTDepression Compassion fatigue

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-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 OCD Panic 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

Licensed

Idaho

Languages

English