PuttingFamilyFirst

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LJ Portrait of Lara Joynes-Whidden
Online therapist

Lara Joynes-Whidden

Supportive social worker for family and parenting

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
3 years
Licensed in
Florida
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Lara

Lara Joynes-Whidden is a licensed clinical social worker who uses a collaborative, person-centered approach. She emphasizes partnership in therapy and helps people move from where they are to where they want to be. Her style is straightforward and practical, aimed at parents and adults facing stressful life changes.

She draws on Client-Centered Therapy to focus on each person's strengths and goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used when changing unhelpful thoughts and routines can reduce anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.

Background and approach

Motivational Interviewing supports people who are ambivalent about change, including those coping with substance use or process addictions. Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns, including family problems, parenting, addictions, mood disorders, trauma, and relationship stress. Additional work includes blended family issues, workplace problems, money concerns, and young adult transitions.

She is also experienced with HIV/AIDS-related challenges and intellectual disability related concerns. Lara has worked in both outpatient and inpatient settings and in employee assistance programs. That variety gives her practical experience with real-world pressures at home and work.

She aims to offer clear, usable steps rather than only long discussions. She holds a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential - LCSW - and brings three years of professional experience. Sessions are conducted in English and are offered through online formats to suit busy schedules.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building on a person’s strengths. In sessions the therapist offers empathy and supports clients in setting their own goals, which helps with parenting stress, family conflict, and self-esteem issues.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It uses simple exercises and homework to reduce anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and unhelpful habits related to addiction.

Motivational Interviewing is a way to talk about change without pressure. It helps people who feel unsure about stopping substance use, changing routines, or taking steps toward new goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and tailor methods based on each person’s goals, needs, and preferences in a collaborative way. Clients and the therapist decide together which tools to use and when to adjust them.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy family schedules and to follow up between meetings. They also let people continue care from different locations while working through parenting challenges, family concerns, or recovery plans.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?
She works with addictions, family and parenting issues, anger, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, sleep problems, and related stressors.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a collaborative, person-centered approach and practical methods like CBT and Motivational Interviewing to set realistic goals and build skills.
What experience does she bring?
She has three years of professional experience, including work in outpatient and inpatient settings and employee assistance programs.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, license FL LCSW SW6747, and practices from Florida.
What languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How does billing and getting started work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a cancellable subscription model. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
3 years
Licensed
Florida
Languages
English

Next step

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