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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 your own skills and the tools you have can help you make meaningful changes strategically, that utilize your own abilities.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety and panic, ADD, 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 an allegedly "Scientific field" that 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 reference 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 with 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 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 in 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 you desire.
Professional experience
40yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyTrauma, AbuseSelf esteem, MotivationDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, ADHD, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, BDSM, Kink, 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 / Nonmonogamous 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
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Larry Westenberg. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
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.
Written on Feb 02, 2024 after therapy with Larry for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, and self esteem
Amazing man helps me with my problems and listens
Written on Jan 08, 2024 after therapy with Larry for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and coaching
Larry is an incredibly intelligent therapist that was able to give me a lot more insight into beginning to heal than other therapists have.
Written on Jan 05, 2024 after therapy with Larry for 2 months on issues concerning depression, lgbt, trauma and abuse, and adhd
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
Written on Nov 30, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
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.
Written on Oct 22, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
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!
Written on Oct 06, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
downright excellent
Written on Sep 07, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Larry is a phenomenal therapist, I’m super lucky to have received him as my therapist.
Written on Aug 15, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
He is a really bright and happy guy and I could not have asked for a better match for a therapist
Written on Aug 10, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
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.
Written on Aug 01, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Great listener and tells you his experience like it is
Written on Jun 28, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
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.
Written on May 12, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
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.
Written on Mar 23, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, career difficulties, and adhd
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
Written on Mar 20, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and self esteem
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...
Written on Mar 15, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management
He is a very direct and thoughtful man who can help you. If that is your goal I would highly recommend Larry.
Written on Mar 08, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
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!
Written on Jan 30, 2023 after therapy with Larry for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
He's great!
Written on Dec 20, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
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!
Written on Dec 13, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes
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.
Written on Nov 20, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and grief
Great guy all around. Helped me through a very difficult time.
Written on Oct 13, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Most unique person I’ve had the pleasure meeting
Written on Oct 11, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Understood exactly how I was feeling, very good
Written on Aug 24, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
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.
Written on Aug 16, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
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.
Written on May 22, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 1 month on issues concerning parenting issues, and anger management
It has been wonderful talking with Larry. O feel these sessions have really helped me understand my problems
Written on Apr 28, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
He's chill I dig his style
Written on Apr 21, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 5 days on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
He is awesome for me
Written on Mar 26, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes
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.
Written on Mar 21, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, and self esteem
I really appreciate his expertise, advice, and sense of humor!
Written on Mar 06, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, adhd, intimacy-related issues, addictions, and bipolar disorder
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.
Written on Feb 24, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
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.
Written on Feb 16, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
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!!
Written on Feb 15, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
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.
Written on Jan 23, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with life changes, trauma and abuse, anger management, and intimacy-related issues
Larry is great would recommend him to others in need.
Written on Jan 14, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, and career difficulties
Listening and great and available. Offers things to intervene
Written on Jan 11, 2022 after therapy with Larry for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue
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