CBT Therapist Directory

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Lara Joynes-Whidden, LCSW

LCSW supporting people with addiction and family issues
  • Addictions and substance use
  • Family and parenting
  • CBT and client-centered

About Lara Joynes-Whidden

Lara Joynes-Whidden is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a certified employee assistance professional who brings experience from both outpatient and inpatient settings as well as workplace-based support programs. She focuses on mood disorders, substance abuse, family challenges, and employment-related concerns, offering practical strategies and empathic support for people navigating these issues.

Lara draws on a range of therapeutic tools to address depression, anxiety, bipolar symptoms, addiction, relationship and parenting struggles, trauma, and difficulties with self-esteem or life transitions. Her work also covers blended family dynamics, process addictions, coping with HIV/AIDS, intellectual disability considerations, and workplace or financial stressors. With an emphasis on collaboration, she treats therapy as a partnership aimed at moving clients from where they are now toward the goals they want to achieve.

Clients can expect an approach that blends client-centered care with evidence-informed techniques to meet each person where they are. Lara’s background in employee assistance work complements her clinical practice by adding a practical focus on employment and career-related challenges while maintaining attention to emotional well-being.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

AddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression

Also Specializes In

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 Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Lara Joynes-Whidden have?

Lara Joynes-Whidden has 3 years of experience.

Is Lara Joynes-Whidden a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license details are FL LCSW SW6747.

In which languages does Lara Joynes-Whidden provide therapy?

Therapy is provided in English.

Where is Lara Joynes-Whidden located?

She is located in Florida.

How can I work with Lara Joynes-Whidden as my therapist?

You can work with Lara Joynes-Whidden through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Lara Joynes-Whidden work with international clients?

Lara Joynes-Whidden does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Lara Joynes-Whidden cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Lara Joynes-Whidden

Client-centered therapy places the person at the heart of the work, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and collaboration so clients can explore values and goals at their own pace - this approach is often helpful for relationship strains, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and developing concrete skills to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, offering practical tools for day-to-day coping. Motivational Interviewing is a goal-oriented, client-focused method that helps people resolve ambivalence and strengthen their commitment to change, which can be especially useful for substance use and behavior change related to health and employment.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Lara works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques as progress unfolds so the plan reflects each person’s priorities.

Online therapy with Lara includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexible ways to engage in treatment. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity of care across locations, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable for each client.

Ready to start therapy with Lara Joynes-Whidden?

Take the first step toward a better you.