He really makes me feel comfortable. Really easy to just open up. Tells me like like it is and doesn't make me feel bad but teaches me.
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Lawrence is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 4.8 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Lawrence. View 38 reviews
- Great news, Lawrence is accepting new clients!
- He is normally fully-booked.
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Illinois
Recent reviews
Amazing man helps me with my problems and listens
More about Lawrence
- 42 years' experience
- Male
- LCSW
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.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Trauma and abuse
Self esteem
Depression
Coping with life changes
Addictions
LGBT
Relationship issues
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Anger management
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coaching
ADHD
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
Caregiver issues and stress
Communication problems
Control issues
Divorce and separation
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Multicultural concerns
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Self-harm
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexual assault and abuse
Sexuality
Smoking / vaping cessation
Social anxiety and phobia
Treatment Approaches
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1649696832.
- LCSW · Illinois · 149008012 · Expires November 2025
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
He really makes me feel comfortable. Really easy to just open up. Tells me like like it is and doesn't make me feel bad but teaches me.
Amazing man helps me with my problems and listens
Larry is an incredibly intelligent therapist that was able to give me a lot more insight into beginning to heal than other therapists have.
He’s funny, and works with my wry sense of humor, very good and adept at interpreting what I’m actually trying to say, despite my sometimes roundabout way of speaking
I enjoy and value my time with Larry. Even my husband notices a difference in me since I started, and in circumstances where I have to reschedule. It helps me to decompress with someone that understands, or listens even when they don’t.
Larry has been very knowledgeable and understands my needs. He responds very quickly and shares experiences which put my problems into perspective so I can better resolve them. He is very kind, understanding and is able to bring my mood up after each session. Thank you Larry!
downright excellent
Larry is a phenomenal therapist, I’m super lucky to have received him as my therapist.
He is a really bright and happy guy and I could not have asked for a better match for a therapist
Larry’s awesome! He tells it like he sees it and has helped me with my confidence and giving me tools to direct my emotional being to the path I want to take. I look forward to our interactions.
Great listener and tells you his experience like it is
Larry came to our first session and knew everything about me without even knowing me prior. He has a great attitude, he has a lot of life experiences, he is kind and caring, and his laugh could make anyone feel better on any given day. Larry has changed my view on therapy and I have only had 2 sessions with him.
Larry was my first exposure to therapy and he's been an incredibly welcome, understanding, and easy to talk to person. He's a great fit for me and I know he is for many others who are hesitant about therapy. I'd highly recommend Larry to anyone who's coming into therapy for the first time or dealing with anything.
Larry has been a huge help for me, he’s helping me work through a bad relationship and family matters. He always manages to make me laugh at least once. He’s the best in my opinion. I’ve been seeing a little over a year
Larry is a great therapist. He really helped me get to the root of my anxiety and helped me with some great methods to cope with things as they happen. Highly recommend...
He is a very direct and thoughtful man who can help you. If that is your goal I would highly recommend Larry.
Larry is the best! From the first session, I felt like I could really click with him and trust him to want to help me, rather than just wanting paid for helping me. He’s helped me to realize and accept my AD/HD, and coping mechanisms I can use to help schedule my work around my focus. He’s also started me on the lengthy path to loving myself and, while I still have a long way to go, I’m very grateful for being able to take that first step.
So before i started therapy, as it was my first time doing something like this, i didnt know how it would be or how i could possibly get the help i needed. Larry enters the picture. He is a game changer. Very knowledgeable about a lot of things, and breaks conversations down to get a better understanding. I have been working with him for about 3 months now, and ive never gotten that “i dont want to be here” type vibe. Always very into the conversation and listens to everything with good intentions, and great feedback. This past October is when i was at my worst and couldnt imagine how anyone would be able to help. Roughly 3 months later, and im in a much MUCH better place. Definitely recommend Larry to anyone who needs help. Keep the laughter and good vibes coming!! Thank you, Larry!
He's great!
Larry was so down to earth and easy to talk to. He helped me see things through a different lens and it greatly helped me! No judgement, just wonderful advice. I deeply appreciated it!
Larry is the best! Started working with him in June where I really needed help getting back on track in my life. Larry is kind, funny, and always willing to listen. He has a story and advice for everything. There is never a dull or awkward moment when working with Larry. He is the first therapist that I felt I could easily talk too.
Great guy all around. Helped me through a very difficult time.
Most unique person I’ve had the pleasure meeting
Understood exactly how I was feeling, very good
Larry is a great listener and was easy to talk to from session one. Sessions with Larry are like talking to an old friend that is compassionate and engaged in your life. Gentle advice and coaching he is constantly nudging things in the right direction without the pedantry of many in the field of social work and psychology. He's always quick with a story to help illustrate his perspectives and humanize and normalize your experiences.
Very friendly and knowledgeable. You can speak to him like you would speak to a friend and that helps a lot.
Larry is a compassionate therapist with a wealth of experiences to draw from. He helped me to better manage my anger and I am grateful for it.
It has been wonderful talking with Larry. O feel these sessions have really helped me understand my problems
He's chill I dig his style
He is awesome for me
Larry was very helpful in getting me to recognize source of some of my reactions and behaviors and work through them. All with an upbeat demeanor. Strongly recommend him.
I really appreciate his expertise, advice, and sense of humor!
I have never done therapy before and so I had a very specific view of what a therapist was. In all the best ways possible Larry shattered those views. He's upbeat, interactive, and creates an environment where you feel relaxed. His tools of communication really helped me in the short time I had with him. If you're looking for someone with wit, personality, integrity, and skill then Larry is your guy.
Larry is very inviting. He’s not like other Therapist I had. he’s really silly and I love that. life can make your serious all the time and he make you laugh and loosen up. He is what you call free spirited and accepts who you are a a individual.
Larry is a very open minded and hilarious therapist. He listens to my concerns and gives me reasonable and achievable advice. I would highly recommend!!
Although Larry and I have only worked with each other for a few months now, it feels like we have known each other our entire lives. It was an instant connection. Amazing listener, great conversationalist. He has a way of making you understand your thoughts so clearly without doing much but listening and BONUS he’s extremely funny. I’m so grateful for him.
Larry is great would recommend him to others in need.
Listening and great and available. Offers things to intervene
Frequently asked questions
Does Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg speak?
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg speaks English.
How many years of experience does Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg have?
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg has 42 years of experience.
Where is Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg licensed to practice?
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg is licensed to practice in Illinois.
Does Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg offer?
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg?
Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.