Benjamin Lara, LCSW | Therapist in Idaho

Person-centered
Practical steps
Non-judgmental

About Benjamin

Benjamin Lara is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 11 years of experience. He focuses on practical, person-centered counseling that centers the client’s goals. He speaks plainly and creates a straightforward space for people to talk through anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, and related concerns.

Benjamin tailors sessions to what matters most for each person. He uses a non-judgmental, supportive style and draws on approaches like cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing. Sessions emphasize small, usable steps people can try between meetings.

He also addresses relationship strain, family of origin issues, codependency, and intimacy-related concerns in simple, direct language. Benjamin helps people name patterns that get in the way and practice different ways of responding. He brings attention to everyday stresses, sleep and eating problems, and caregiving burdens.

Trauma, chronic illness, and substance use are part of his experience as well. He works with people facing grief, compassion fatigue, and big life changes. The focus is on what someone wants to change and how to move toward that at a sustainable pace.

Benjamin aims to meet people where they are and build on their strengths. He encourages small experiments, honest conversation, and realistic plans that fit daily life. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to availability.

How therapy approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts without getting stuck in them and then choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying new behaviors to shift mood and stress. It often helps with anxiety, depression, sleep, and substance use. Motivational Interviewing is a conversational style that helps people find their own reasons for change and build momentum, which can be helpful for addictions and health behavior changes.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Benjamin collaborates with each person to decide which methods to try based on their goals, preferences, and what actually fits in daily life. He often mixes techniques so sessions are practical and focused on what the person wants to achieve.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online care can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find remote sessions help them keep therapy consistent while balancing work, family, and other commitments.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsLGBTDepressionCompassion fatigue

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Grief Intimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

BDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issues Caregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependency Communication problems Control issuesDissociationDivorce and separation Domestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelity Isolation / loneliness JealousyLife 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

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Benjamin help with?

He addresses stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, grief, codependency, relationship and family of origin problems, and related concerns listed in his specialties.

What is his therapeutic style like?

He uses a person-centered, non-judgmental approach and focuses on practical steps. Sessions are tailored to each person’s goals and needs.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 11 years of experience working with people on anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and other issues.

What credentials and location are on record?

He holds the LCSW credential and practices in Idaho.

In which languages can sessions be conducted?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He is not accepting international clients at this time.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.