Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg, LCSW

Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg is a licensed clinical social worker with 42 years of experience. He builds on decades of counseling work to help people move from feeling stuck to taking practical steps forward. Larry uses straightforward language and a strengths-based approach so clients can see small changes quickly.

He focuses on common problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles. He also supports people dealing with addiction, grief, career strain, bipolar concerns, ADHD, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem. Larry has long experience with LGBT clients and with people involved in alternative sexual cultures.

Larry emphasizes the resources each person already has. Sessions involve clear, practical strategies, thought work, and tools people can use between meetings. He blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered conversations and mindfulness exercises to help people test new ways of coping.

Over his career he has worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and crisis intervention settings. That background shapes a steady, calm style in the room. He believes therapy is a collaborative process about choices, meaning, and small measurable change.

People who want a direct, pragmatic counselor often connect best with him. He aims to help clients clarify goals, reduce distressing symptoms, and build routines that support daily functioning. Larry sees clients in Illinois and offers several remote session formats to fit different schedules.

How his approaches work online

Lawrence often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in his work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and supporting a person's own goals so they can discover solutions that fit their life.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He will discuss goals and preferences with each person and adjust methods as concerns evolve. Together they decide which tools and techniques feel most useful for day-to-day change.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls let people use visual cues and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat or text messages work well for short check-ins, coaching-style support, or when someone needs flexible timing. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules while keeping treatment consistent.