- Cognitive behavioral work
- Mindfulness practice
- Gottman communication
About Mark
Mark Sikora is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington with 40 years of professional experience. He works with people dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship strain, and anger. His approach is practical and grounded in helping people notice what gets in the way and try different ways of responding.
He uses straightforward talk therapy that centers the person's own story and strengths. Sessions focus on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that add to stress, and on small, testable changes people can try between sessions. Mark draws on methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness to help with mood, worry, and impulsive reactions.
For relationship or intimacy concerns he uses tools from the Gottman Method alongside communication skills training. With long-term or complex issues he blends client-centered listening with strategies from dialectical behavior therapy to manage strong emotions and improve coping. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas are used to clarify values and guide action when life feels stuck.
Mark emphasizes practical follow-through. He helps clients set realistic steps, track what works, and adjust plans when needed. He also pays attention to how grief, loss, and major life changes affect mood and behavior.
People who want direct, experienced guidance on anger, stress, or shifting patterns of thinking often find his style useful. To begin, the site process directs prospective clients to the online therapy options and a brief matching questionnaire.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking small actions toward those values even when difficult thoughts or feelings appear. It can help with anger that persists because behavior becomes tied to avoidance or rumination.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Online CBT sessions often involve tracking patterns, testing beliefs with simple experiments, and practicing new responses between meetings to reduce reactive behavior.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) supplies concrete emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. These tools help when anger flares quickly by offering step-by-step strategies to slow down and choose a different response.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. He collaborates with clients to identify which approaches fit their goals, needs, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress is made.
Session formats were not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. He uses practical exercises, homework, and skill rehearsal that translate well to remote sessions and help people practice new ways of handling anger and stress in everyday situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, anger, stress, grief, and related concerns listed in his profile.
How would he approach anger or strong emotions?
He uses a mix of practical techniques such as cognitive behavioral strategies and DBT-influenced skills to notice triggers, reduce reactivity, and build alternative ways to respond.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has forty years of professional experience working with mood disorders, trauma, and crisis situations.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensed in Washington.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the biography.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to start working together?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.