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LCSW

Lara Joynes-Whidden, LCSW

  • Experience3 years
  • LocationFlorida
  • Focus areasADHD, Addictions, and Family
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Lara

Lara Joynes-Whidden is an LCSW who practices from a collaborative, client-centered stance and blends evidence-based tools to address mood, relationship, and addiction-related concerns.

Background and approach

She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients identify patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and bipolar mood shifts, and she uses motivational interviewing strategies to support change around substance use and other addictive behaviors.

With experience across outpatient and inpatient settings as well as employee assistance work, she applies narrative and psychodynamic ideas to explore how life stories and underlying emotional patterns shape current difficulties. Lara focuses on topics including stress, trauma and abuse, parenting and family problems, sleep struggles, self-esteem, workplace issues, and ADHD among other areas of concern.

Her approach emphasizes partnership and practical steps that move people toward goals they define. Based in Florida, Lara has three years of clinical experience and holds the FL LCSW license SW6747.

She offers a mix of live and text-based formats to fit different schedules and preferences, using an approach that adapts to each person’s needs while maintaining a warm, professional tone.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care



Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients guide the conversation and the therapist reflects and supports growth. This approach helps when people want an empathic partner in exploring life choices, identity, and emotional challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical strategies to identify and change thoughts and behaviors that maintain anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress. CBT sessions often include skill-building exercises and structured plans that translate well to remote formats.

Finding the right blend of methods is part of the work together. Lara approaches treatment collaboratively, discussing goals, preferences, and how techniques are working, and she adjusts the plan based on what a person finds most helpful.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to access regular care from Florida without commuting, and they allow clients and therapists to continue progress through a mix of real-time and asynchronous contact.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
Lara works with a range of concerns including addictions, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, stress and workplace problems, ADHD, and self-esteem challenges.
How would you describe the therapeutic style used in sessions?
The approach is collaborative and client-centered, integrating cognitive behavioral methods, motivational interviewing, narrative techniques, and psychodynamic ideas to tailor work to each person's needs.
What is Lara's background and clinical experience?
She has three years of experience and has worked in outpatient and inpatient settings as well as in employee assistance programs, bringing that range into her current practice.
Where is the therapist licensed and what credential does she hold?
She is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Florida and holds the FL LCSW license SW6747.
In which languages are sessions available and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English only, and international clients are not currently accepted.
What formats are offered for sessions with this therapist?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How is cost structured for working with this therapist?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; services are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started, use 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

About

Lara Joynes-Whidden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Florida, with 3 years of experience, not currently accepting new clients.