Lawrence Goncalves Jr., LICSW

Lawrence Goncalves Jr. is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 25 years of experience. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and parenting challenges. Lawrence aims to leave people feeling or functioning better than when they first made contact.

He began his career after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Juvenile Counseling from the University of Washington. Early work at a community mental health clinic involved youth and family counseling and placements in group homes, domestic violence shelters, and juvenile services. Those years shaped his practical approach to everyday problems.

After completing a Master of Social Work at the University of Washington, he continued providing mental health services across different settings. His background includes individual and group work and experience with a wide mix of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. He has supported people dealing with grief, sleeping problems, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.

Lawrence uses a range of approaches to match a person’s needs. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Client-Centered work, and existential ideas to help people change unhelpful patterns and manage strong emotions. He emphasizes practical strategies people can use between sessions.

He prioritizes a safe, trusting relationship as the foundation for progress. Lawrence invites a collaborative process where goals and tools are shaped together, with an emphasis on clear, usable steps that fit each person’s life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Lawrence draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and coping with life changes. He also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on empathy and listening so people can find their own solutions and build confidence. Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques are used to teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication when feelings run high.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lawrence discusses goals and preferences in early sessions and tailors methods together with each person. He helps people try techniques, see what fits, and adjust strategies based on progress and changing needs.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and situations. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions can be a simpler low-bandwidth option, and chat or texting can work for brief check-ins or ongoing coaching between appointments. These choices aim to make therapy easier to fit into daily life and to keep consistent momentum toward goals.