- 25 years experience
- Focus on sleep
- LICSW in Washington
About Lawrence
Lawrence Goncalves Jr. is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 25 years in mental health work. He aims to help people feel, think, and function better than when they first met. Lawrence writes and speaks plainly and focuses on practical changes that make daily life easier.
He began after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Juvenile Counseling from the University of Washington and spent his early years at a community mental health clinic working with youth and their families. Later he completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Washington and carried on in clinical practice. His background includes roles in juvenile justice settings, domestic violence shelters, community centers, and youth group homes.
In sessions he draws on a mix of approaches to fit each person's situation. He commonly uses client-centered work, cognitive behavioral ideas, dialectical behavior strategies, existential thinking, and EMDR methods. These are used to address stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, addictions, sleep difficulties, parenting strain, grief, and other concerns.
Lawrence places the therapeutic relationship at the center of care. He emphasizes creating a safe, respectful connection first, then uses practical techniques to manage symptoms, improve communication, and change unhelpful patterns. He encourages active collaboration so people can try usable skills between meetings.
He works in Washington and conducts his practice in English. Prospective clients begin by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a session based on his availability.
How his approaches fit into online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, understanding, and responding to what matters most to the person. It helps people feel heard and build trust so they can work on sleep, parenting stress, or relationship problems.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors affect mood and sleep. It uses clear steps and homework to change unhelpful patterns and to try new, healthier habits day to day.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills for managing strong emotions, improving relationships, and tolerating distress. These skills can be useful for impulsivity, anger, and coping with life changes.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, symptoms, and preferences, then try methods that fit those needs. That decision is collaborative and can change over time as progress is tracked.
Confirm current session options before booking, since formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It also lets people use practices such as CBT exercises or DBT skills between meetings so therapy fits everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar and depression, addictions, grief, sleeping problems, parenting strain, anger, self esteem, and coping with life changes.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses a practical, collaborative approach that centers the relationship. Sessions blend client-centered conversation with cognitive and behavioral techniques tailored to daily life.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 25 years of experience, beginning after a BA in Juvenile Counseling and continuing through a Master of Social Work and long clinical practice.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds the LICSW credential and practices in Washington state.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
He does not take international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Costs vary with location and the subscription model used. Sessions are arranged through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to meet him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to his availability.