Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg, LCSW
Experienced LCSW focused on trauma and resilience
- Trauma and anxiety
- Hypnotherapy and NLP
- LGBTQ affirmative care
About Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 42 years of experience in counseling. He uses a strengths and solutions approach to help people identify the resources they already have and make practical changes in the direction they want to go. Rather than focusing solely on symptom checklists, he emphasizes practical strategies and real-world skills that support lasting improvement.
His clinical journey began working on a back ward in a state mental hospital, where he counseled individuals with severe mental illness while holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology. That early experience shaped his view that direct, resource-oriented help often outperforms elaborate theories, and it taught him to rely on what works in real life rather than on jargon.
Westenberg specializes in trauma, anxiety and panic, attention deficit issues, relationships, and helping people find meaning in life. He has extensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Ericksonian hypnosis, and he is a published author on topics including belief change and hypnotic approaches. His background includes work in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and crisis intervention settings.
He has long supported LGBTQ+ individuals and has experience helping people manage alternative lifestyles in ways that fit their lives and values. He also assists clients in setting boundaries with toxic family systems and in making decisions about contact. Westenberg welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with people seeking practical, skill-based change.
His clinical journey began working on a back ward in a state mental hospital, where he counseled individuals with severe mental illness while holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology. That early experience shaped his view that direct, resource-oriented help often outperforms elaborate theories, and it taught him to rely on what works in real life rather than on jargon.
Westenberg specializes in trauma, anxiety and panic, attention deficit issues, relationships, and helping people find meaning in life. He has extensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Ericksonian hypnosis, and he is a published author on topics including belief change and hypnotic approaches. His background includes work in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and crisis intervention settings.
He has long supported LGBTQ+ individuals and has experience helping people manage alternative lifestyles in ways that fit their lives and values. He also assists clients in setting boundaries with toxic family systems and in making decisions about contact. Westenberg welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with people seeking practical, skill-based change.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Existential Therapy Hypnotherapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg have?
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg has 42 years of experience in counseling and therapy.
Is Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details are IL LCSW 149008012.
In which languages does Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg provide therapy?
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg provides therapy in English.
Where is Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg located?
He is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg as my therapist?
You can work with Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg work with international clients?
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg 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, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. 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.
Online Therapeutic Approaches for Practical Change
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg integrates several evidence-informed methods into his online practice to meet a range of needs. Client-centered therapy focuses on the person as the expert in their own life - the therapist provides empathy, support, and a nonjudgmental space so clients can explore values, choices, and personal goals. This approach is useful for relationship concerns, life transitions, and finding purpose.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more effective patterns. CBT is practical and skill-based, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress management to produce measurable change in mood and functioning.
Hypnotherapy and Ericksonian techniques are used to access focused attention and suggestive approaches that can support belief change, motivation, and symptom relief for issues like anxiety, habit change, and trauma-related reactions. These methods are applied collaboratively and tailored to each person's comfort level.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Westenberg works with clients to determine which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. He aims for a collaborative partnership rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.
Online therapy offers flexibility - sessions can occur by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - so people can access care from home, work, or while traveling. This range of options supports consistent engagement, easier scheduling, and the ability to receive skilled help without geographic barriers.
Ready to start therapy with Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg?
Take the first step toward a better you.