Lawrence Goncalves Jr., LICSW

Lawrence Goncalves Jr. is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 25 years of experience who focuses on helping people through major life shifts. He aims to leave clients feeling and functioning better than when they first met. Lawrence brings a calm, practical approach to stressful and painful moments. He began his work after earning a B.A. in Juvenile Counseling from the University of Washington and spent his first decade in community mental health settings. Early roles included support for youth in group homes, work with juvenile offenders, and time at domestic violence shelters. He later completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Washington and continued clinical practice as an LICSW. Lawrence uses a mix of methods to match the needs of each person. He draws on Client-Centered ways of working, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Existential ideas, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing approaches. In practice he focuses on strategies people can use right away to cope, tolerate strong emotions, and change unhelpful patterns. His focus areas include stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, grief, sleep problems, parenting concerns, anger, and self-esteem. He also supports people with relationship and family challenges such as abandonment, attachment, blended family issues, infidelity, and communication problems. Lawrence has worked with individuals across different ages and cultural backgrounds, and he frames therapy around a safe, steady relationship. He invites potential clients to consider what they want to change and to work together toward practical steps that fit everyday life.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters to the person. Sessions emphasize respect, empathy, and helping clients notice their own goals and strengths. This approach helps with motivation, self-esteem, and making choices during a midlife transition.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts affect feelings and actions. It uses straightforward techniques to test unhelpful thoughts and build new habits, useful for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds practical skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships, which can help when anger, impulsivity, or stress are overwhelming.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and what feels most helpful. Together they try methods and adjust them so the work fits the client’s life and pace.

Confirm current session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people use quieter surroundings or avoid being on camera depending on what works best for them.