- 40 years experience
- Focus on relationships
- Mindfulness and ACT
About Mark
Mark Sikora is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Washington with four decades of clinical experience. He focuses on helping people who are facing depression, anxiety, grief, relationship strain, addiction, codependency, and other life challenges. He approaches clients with respect and an expectation that they bring important strengths to the work.
He emphasizes that people know their own stories and that therapy is a collaborative effort. Mark listens for what matters most to each person and helps them notice patterns that get in the way of feeling better. He aims to make steps feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Over a long career he has supported people dealing with bipolar and severe mood concerns, critical incident and street-related stress, and the shifting experience of grief. He also helps with parenting stress, caregiver strain, sleep and eating difficulties, and challenges tied to identity and intimacy.
Mark draws on several practical methods in sessions, including acceptance and commitment techniques, cognitive behavior tools, mindfulness practices, and client-centered conversation. He uses these approaches to teach skills for managing strong emotions, improving communication, and making values-based choices.
People who choose him can expect clear, direct conversation and step-by-step options for change. He encourages small experiments in daily life so progress can be noticed between appointments.
How therapeutic approaches shape online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with behavior changes and practical experiments, often helping with mood, panic, and sleep problems. Client-Centered Therapy centers on respectful listening and reflection so people feel heard and can find their own solutions.Choosing the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and how they prefer to work. Sessions can blend elements from different approaches to fit what helps a person make steady progress.
Confirm the available online session options before booking because specific formats are not listed in the profile. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when a quick update is needed. They also make it practical to practice real-life skills between meetings and follow up on homework or exercises between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Credentials
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
He helps people dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, codependency, and related stressors.
How would you describe his therapy style?
Sessions are collaborative and straightforward, focusing on practical steps, emotion regulation skills, and values-based choices.
What is his clinical background?
He has 40 years of professional experience working with mood disorders, trauma, grief, and crisis-related challenges.
Which credentials and location apply to this clinician?
He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm the current session formats before booking, as specific options are not listed in the profile.
How is cost handled for therapy with this clinician?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.