Lawrence Benes

Lawrence Benes is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 35 years of professional experience. He works with people facing addictions, relationship problems, grief and loss, depression, and major life changes. He also focuses on issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, communication problems, guilt and shame, and questions about life purpose.

Lawrence approaches work with a practical, person-centered stance. He treats the client as the expert on their own life and builds on existing strengths. Sessions aim to clarify what matters to the client and to identify steps that can reduce overwhelm and restore a sense of forward motion.

In sessions he listens for patterns that keep people stuck and helps them try different ways of responding. Conversations often cover everyday decisions, coping skills for mood and stress, and ways to repair or improve communication. He also addresses the feelings that come with grief, loss, and long-term struggles with substance use.

Clients can expect straightforward talk about goals and small, manageable steps between sessions. Lawrence frames treatment as collaborative problem solving rather than a lecture. He works with men and individuals concerned with workplace stress, isolation, or post-traumatic stress among other issues.

His practice welcomes English-speaking clients and accepts international clients. The first step is completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling an initial session to see if the clinician and client are a good fit.

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Evidence-based therapeutic techniques often include straightforward, skills-focused methods that help people change unhelpful patterns and improve daily functioning. For example, behavior-focused strategies target the actions that maintain depression or addiction by breaking large problems into small, testable changes. These techniques help with routines, motivation, and reducing harmful behaviors.

Another common evidence-based approach emphasizes skills for managing strong emotions and improving communication. This kind of work teaches ways to recognize triggers, pause before reacting, and practice clearer ways of speaking with others. It is useful for relationship strain, workplace conflict, and feelings of guilt or isolation.

Finding the right mix of approaches is typically a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to identify goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan as needed. That way the work stays focused on what the client wants to change and what feels practical for day-to-day life.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They can also let people continue work with a licensed professional when relocation or travel would otherwise interrupt care.