Provides online counseling through the BetterHelp

Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg (LCSW)

  • Illinois, United States
  • Addictions
  • ADHD
  • Anger management
  • Anxiety
  • Information updated 2 months ago

Services offered

  • Video
  • Phone
  • Messaging

Notes:

  • Quick Counseling is user-supported, and when you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission from BetterHelp at no extra cost to you.

About me

Thank you for sharing information about yourself here. I’m glad that you reached out for help. My name is Larry Westenberg, and I am a licensed therapist with over 40 years of experience in counseling. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I have been a professional counselor for over 40 years. I started out on a ‘back ward’ of a state mental hospital, counseling extremely mentally ill people and helping them to access their resources, use their strengths and improve the quality of their lives. It was a tremendous challenge. At that time, I had my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and no other training. The State system allowed people to do counseling who had no training in counseling whatsoever. In fact, many of them had never been to college. I discovered the ‘uneducated counselors’ were usually MUCH more effective at helping their clients. They were not ‘full of themselves’ and their degrees. Instead, they used what they knew about helping people, did what they could, and learned to help people by figuring out what worked as they went along. They also expected the same from the people they were counseling – that they would use the resources they had, do their best, and get better at improving their lives. Meanwhile, the majority of the ‘professional therapists’ were lost in their long explanations and mythologies that tried to explain the patient’s behavior, and they often developed bizarre theories and treatment methods they imagined would make the patients get better. When you make a connection to another person in counseling, you offer them a safe space to “step out of themselves,” and discuss their own behavior from a different perspective of detached observation. Recognizing their own skills and the tools they have can help them make meaningful changes strategically, that utilize their own abilities. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and panic, ADD, relationships and finding meaning in life. I have extensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) – which is bashed as unscientific non-sense on the internet. This criticism is thrown from the allegedly “Scientific field” of psychology which is founded on the idea of repressed urges of the id and wanting to kill your father to take possession of your mother. Not the best scientific theory for validating your experiences of life. I am a published author in the field of Belief Change, Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP. I enjoy helping others uncover treasure within themselves. I don’t work with lab rats. I work with people. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization and crisis intervention treatment. I have worked with LGBTQ+ individuals since long before we had an acronym. I have supported individuals in compartmentalizing alternative lifestyles so that they don’t embarrass themselves at work or in social situations. I help some people accept the fact their family may be a toxic gaggle of illnesses and it really is okay to not be in contact. I help others discover how they create anxiety in themselves and teach a variety of skills for managing emotional states. My passion is helping people find insights into HOW they do the behaviors they do, so they can more easily shift the behaviors to get the same results – or different results. I also like helping people discover how past traumas and negative events can “echo” into present interactions and circumstances. Rather than label this a disease, I show people how to notice these connections and respond less to the resonance in the present. I laugh frequently and I may even tease about symptoms as an attempt to help you shift your perspective on your issues. I do not make fun of problems. I take my work seriously, but I will never take LIFE seriously – because it has this surprise-ending feature. I would be delighted to meet with you and find out if I can support you in making the shifts and changes that will help you build the life you desire.
  • 1649696832

License information

License: LCSW

Illinois

License number: 149008012

Expires at 2025-11-30

Professional experience

Focus and Specialization Areas

Additional focus areas

Therapeutic approaches

Welcoming international clients?

No

Languages

  • English

Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg's location

  • Illinois, United States

Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg's years in practice

  • 42 years in practice

Online counseling

Why Choose Online Counseling?

Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassle of commuting and scheduling appointments. With online counseling, you can access therapy sessions from the convenience of your home or wherever you feel most comfortable.

Affordability: We understand the importance of accessible mental health care. BetterHelp pricing plans range from $65 to $100 per week, making online counseling an affordable option for many individuals.

Proven Results: Numerous studies have demonstrated that online counseling can be as effective as in-person therapy. You can expect the same level of care and positive outcomes while benefiting from the flexibility of BetterHelp platform.

Accessibility: The BetterHelp platform ensures that you have easy access to qualified mental health practitioners, regardless of your location. Whether you’re in a remote area or a bustling city, you can connect with a therapist who meets your unique needs.

Take the first step towards improved mental well-being. Join the BetterHelp online therapy platform today and experience the convenience, affordability, and effectiveness of remote counseling. Your mental health matters and BetterHelp is here to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier you.

Services offered

  • Video
  • Phone
  • Messaging

Notes:

  • Quick Counseling is user-supported, and when you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission from BetterHelp at no extra cost to you.

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Have questions?

Lawrence “Larry” Westenberg brings 42 years of extensive experience in therapy.

No, Lawrence “Larry” Westenberg does not currently accept international clients seeking support.

Yes, Lawrence “Larry” Westenberg is currently accepting new clients.

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Start Your Journey with Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg

* Lawrence “Larry” Westenberg provides online counseling through the BetterHelp platform.

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Full name

State

Focus areas

Therapeutic approaches

NPI number

20 out of 919 results
Illinois
Aging and Geriatric Issues
and disability
Body Image
Caregiver Issues and Stress
Chronic pain
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Mindfulness Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Illinois
Abandonment
Adoption and Foster Care
Attachment Issues
Blended Family Issues
Caregiver Issues and Stress
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness Therapy
Illinois
Impulsivity
Life Purpose
Self-Love
Women's Issues
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Illinois
Men's Issues
Personality Disorders
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Gottman Method
Illinois
Attachment Issues
Blended Family Issues
Caregiver Issues and Stress
Communication Problems
Control Issues
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Illinois
Aging and Geriatric Issues
Blended Family Issues
Caregiver Issues and Stress
Communication Problems
Life Purpose
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-Focused Therapy
Illinois
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
exercise
Family Problems
gambling
Mood Disorders
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Internal Family Systems
Motivational Interviewing
Illinois
Caregiver Issues and Stress
Communication Problems
Family Problems
Impulsivity
Life Purpose
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Illinois
Abandonment
Adoption and Foster Care
Alternative Sex Culture
and alternative sex culture
Attachment Issues
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Illinois
Abandonment
and OCD
Attachment Issues
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Codependency
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-Focused Therapy
Illinois
Attachment Issues
Body Image
Control Issues
Divorce and Separation
Forgiveness
Illinois
and alternative sex culture
BDSM
Domestic Violence
Family of Origin Issues
HIV / AIDS
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic Therapy
Illinois
Codependency
Communication Problems
Divorce and Separation
Expats
Family of Origin Issues
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Illinois
Commitment Issues
Control Issues
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Family Problems
Guilt and Shame
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Illinois
Abandonment
Attachment Issues
Blended Family Issues
Body Image
Caregiver Issues and Stress
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Florida
Alternative Sex Culture
and alternative sex culture
BDSM
Commitment Issues
Expats
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Illinois
Communication Problems
Family Problems
Mood Disorders
Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks
Social Anxiety and Phobia
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Illinois
Jealousy
Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships
Postpartum Depression

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