Harold "Lanny" Monson , LMFT

Harold "Lanny" Monson is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who brings 25 years of clinical and community experience to his work with individuals, couples, and families. He has long been drawn to the complexity of human relationships and to helping people who feel powerless reclaim a greater sense of agency in their lives. Much of his practice has focused on survivors of sexual and physical trauma and on people struggling with substance use, and he has substantial experience addressing issues such as ADHD, OCD, and traits on the autism spectrum.

Monson’s background includes deep community involvement and service work across diverse settings. He served as Family Advocacy Program Manager on a secured military base, volunteered for 15 years as a professional therapist in correctional facilities, and spent extensive time working with people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. He has also worked with underserved populations, including outreach related to homelessness and unfair treatment of people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, and he has advocated for child protection and greater societal openness and respect.

Academically, Monson holds a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University, an MS in Family and Human Development from Utah State University, and a Post-Master's Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University in Minneapolis earned in 2004. He became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and later became certified as an approved supervisor with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, where he is a clinical fellow. In the 1980s he developed a clinical concept he calls "Displaced Power," which he uses to help clients shift toward what he terms "the power within." That phrase is also the name of his private practice, reflecting his focus on helping people regain control and hope.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Sessions

Harold "Lanny" Monson draws from several evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person's needs. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration; it helps clients explore their feelings, build self-esteem, and develop greater personal agency. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and many day-to-day coping challenges. The Gottman Method offers practical tools for improving communication and resolving conflict in couples, supporting relationship repair and greater emotional connection.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Monson works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods align best with their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. He adapts techniques as therapy progresses to ensure treatment remains relevant and effective for each individual or couple.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which provide flexibility for those with busy schedules or geographical constraints. These formats make it easier to maintain consistent care, fit sessions into daily life, and access licensed professionals from different locations while preserving the collaborative, goal-focused work that defines his practice.