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LCSW

Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg, LCSW

  • Experience42 years
  • LocationIllinois
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Lawrence

Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg is a licensed clinical social worker with 42 years of experience who emphasizes a strengths- and solutions-oriented approach to counseling.

Background and approach

He draws on a long career that began on a psychiatric back ward, where he learned to help people access their own resources and build practical strategies for improving daily life. Larry favors working with clients to identify abilities and tools they already possess rather than focusing solely on labeling or symptom checklists.

His practice includes attention to stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, bipolar challenges, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, grief, career questions, and ADHD among other areas. He also brings experience with autism and Asperger syndrome, alternative sexual cultures including BDSM and kink, caregiver stress, and issues stemming from family of origin.

Larry combines client-centered listening with techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, existential exploration, and motivational interviewing to support change that fits each individual’s goals. Based in Illinois, he offers an approach that values pragmatic problem solving, respectful collaboration, and helping clients find direction and meaning in their lives.

His style tends toward direct, practical guidance aimed at helping people use their strengths to make the changes they want.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Options

Lawrence Westenberg blends client-centered work with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-informed methods in online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on empathic listening and creating a supportive environment where clients explore their goals and strengths, useful for building self-understanding and motivation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers structured ways to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and patterns, which can help with anxiety, depression, and coping strategies. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and stress-reduction skills that support emotional regulation and resilience.

Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative process. The therapist works together with each person to consider their needs, values, and goals and to try techniques that fit their situation. Over time the plan may be adjusted so the methods align with what proves most helpful for progress and well-being.

Online therapy is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and communication preferences. These remote formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access therapy from home, and use brief or ongoing contact as needed.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
The practice addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, ADHD, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, bipolar challenges, and career questions. Additional focuses include autism and Asperger syndrome, caregiver stress, and alternative sexual cultures such as BDSM and kink.
How would you describe the therapeutic style and approach?
The therapist uses a strengths- and solutions-oriented, client-centered style combined with techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, existential exploration, and motivational interviewing. Sessions emphasize collaboration and practical strategies tailored to each person’s goals and resources.
What background and experience does the therapist have?
He brings 42 years of clinical experience, including work in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and crisis intervention settings. His early work on a psychiatric back ward shaped a pragmatic focus on using clients' existing resources for change.
What are the therapist's credentials and location?
He is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with license IL LCSW 149008012. The profile is based on his practice in that state.
Are services offered in any languages or to international clients?
Services are provided in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
Which session formats are available for remote work?
Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How is cost and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Specific rates depend on the subscriber’s plan and scheduling choices.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability. This process helps match needs and preferences before initial contact.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyHypnotherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

42+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English

What Lawrence can help with

Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg works with clients on stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, depression, and coping with life changes.

Lawrence started out on a 'back ward' of a state mental hospital, counseling extremely mentally ill people.

Lawrence works with trauma, anxiety and panic, and ADD.

How Lawrence approaches therapy

Lawrence's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Lawrence is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Illinois.