Lara Joynes-Whidden , LCSW

Lara Joynes-Whidden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with three years of professional experience who works from Florida. She also holds certification as an employee assistance professional, a credential that reflects experience supporting employees through workplace challenges. Having practiced in both outpatient and inpatient settings as well as within employee assistance programs, she brings a practical, experience-informed approach to care.

Her clinical focus includes mood disorders, substance use and addiction, family and relationship concerns, and employment-related problems. She also works with anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, parenting and blended family issues, process addictions, and a range of life stressors such as career transitions, financial strain, and compassion fatigue. Lara addresses both clinical and situational challenges, including work-place issues, young adult concerns, ADHD, and coping with major life changes.

Lara frames therapy as a collaborative partnership and emphasizes working together to move clients from where they are to where they want to be. She integrates client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral and motivational techniques to tailor treatment to each person’s goals, preferences, and stage of change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Lara integrates client-centered therapy, which focuses on understanding each person’s perspective and building a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship to help clients explore their goals and values. This approach is helpful for those facing relationship challenges, identity concerns, or life transitions where empathy and collaboration matter most.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical method that helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is often effective for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and coping with stress. Additionally, Lara employs Motivational Interviewing to support people working through readiness to change, particularly around substance use and behavioral targets, by strengthening personal motivation and commitment.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Lara works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting strategies as progress is made and circumstances change.

Online sessions offer flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to schedule appointments around work, family, and daily life. Remote therapy can support continuity of care and provide multiple ways to engage, so clients can choose the format that best suits their needs.