Lara Joynes-Whidden, LCSW

Licensed in Florida · 3 years in practice

Lara Joynes-Whidden uses a client-centered style that keeps the person in focus.

License and registration

LCSW, Florida: SW6747 · expires March 2027
NPI: 1437292547 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 3
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About Lara

Lara Joynes-Whidden uses a client-centered style that keeps the person in focus. She is a licensed clinical social worker with three years of experience. Lara listens for what matters most and helps people set practical steps toward change.

She blends several approaches to match each situation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify unhelpful thoughts and shift behaviors. Motivational Interviewing supports people who feel stuck or unsure about change.

Narrative and psychodynamic ideas are used when exploring life stories and patterns that repeat.

Background and approach

Lara has experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She has also worked in employee assistance programs, so she understands workplace stress and career pressures. This background helps when people face job-related problems, burnout, or compassion fatigue.

Common concerns she addresses include addiction and substance use, mood disorders like depression and bipolar, anxiety and stress, relationship and family issues, and parenting strains. She also supports people dealing with sleep problems, self-harm, process addictions, HIV/AIDS related issues, intellectual disability concerns, and young adult transitions. In sessions Lara focuses on small, achievable goals.

She talks through coping strategies, communication skills, and ways to manage strong emotions like anger. The work is collaborative - the person sets priorities and Lara offers tools and feedback. People who want straightforward, practical sessions may find her approach helpful.

She practices in Florida and conducts therapy in English.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Lara lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Addictions
Family conflicts
Anger management
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Stress, Anxiety
LGBT
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Sleeping disorders
Parenting issues
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Coping with life changes
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
ADHD
Blended family issues
Drug and alcohol addiction
Family problems
HIV / AIDS
Intellectual disability
Money and financial issues
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Self-harm
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Approaches Lara names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How therapeutic approaches fit into online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person’s lead. The therapist offers empathy and practical support, which helps when someone needs to set goals or feels overwhelmed. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete skills to change unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust as needed. This collaboration helps people figure out what feels most useful and keeps sessions focused on real-life changes.

Online therapy offers different ways to connect that fit varied schedules and needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and screen-sharing for worksheets. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth or camera time is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging let people check in between sessions, send brief updates, or have shorter touchpoints during a busy day. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does she help with?

She helps people facing addictions, mood disorders, anxiety, relationship struggles, family conflict, parenting stress, sleep problems, and workplace issues.

What is her therapy style like?

She uses a client-centered approach and mixes in CBT, motivational interviewing, narrative, and psychodynamic ideas to match what a person needs.

Where did she gain her clinical experience?

Her three years of experience include work in outpatient and inpatient settings and roles in employee assistance programs.

What are her credentials and location?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - practicing in Florida.

Which languages are supported 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 does she offer?

Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are fees and starting steps handled?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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