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LJ Portrait of Lara Joynes-Whidden

Lara Joynes-Whidden

Practical, collaborative therapy focused on change

LCSW Florida

Experience
3 years in practice
Focus areas
Addictions, Family, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Explore online therapy options

About Lara

Lara Joynes-Whidden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings a practical, partnership-focused approach to therapy. She draws on cognitive behavioral methods alongside client-centered and motivational strategies to help people manage mood disorders, substance use concerns, and workplace or family stressors.

Background and approach

With three years of professional experience across outpatient, inpatient, and employee assistance settings, she uses evidence-informed techniques to clarify challenges and build concrete coping skills. Her practice addresses a broad range of concerns including addictions, anxiety and depression, bipolar symptoms, trauma and abuse, relationship and parenting struggles, sleep difficulties, and issues around self-esteem and career transitions.

Additional focus areas include blended family dynamics, HIV/AIDS-related matters, intellectual disability considerations, and process addictions such as gambling or porn. Lara frames therapy as a collaborative process, working with clients to define goals and map steps toward meaningful change while adapting interventions to each person’s needs and circumstances.

Approaches for Online Therapeutic Work



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new ways of responding, helping clients develop concrete skills for anxiety, depression, and behavior change. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, offering a supportive space where clients set the pace and priorities for growth. Motivational Interviewing helps increase readiness for change by exploring ambivalence and strengthening personal motivation, which is often useful for substance use and habit-related concerns.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with each client to understand goals, preferences, and practical needs, and then tailor a mix of techniques to fit those priorities rather than insisting on a single method up front.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule or access care from different locations within Florida. These options support consistent work on goals and allow licensed professionals to provide ongoing guidance and skill-building in ways that match each client's lifestyle and communication preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns does she help with?
The practice addresses a wide range of issues including addictions, mood disorders like depression and bipolar, anxiety and stress, trauma and abuse, relationship and family problems, sleep issues, self-esteem, career and workplace concerns, parenting challenges, and process addictions.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She blends client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing to help clients set goals and develop practical coping skills.
What background and experience does she have?
She has three years of clinical experience working in outpatient and inpatient settings and within employee assistance programs, focusing on mood disorders, employment problems, family issues, and substance use.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Florida with license number FL LCSW SW6747 and practices from Florida.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Services are provided in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for therapy?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the process to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsHIV / AIDSIntellectual disabilityMoney and financial issuesProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English