Mark Oakley
I became a therapist because therapy changed my life. Experiencing mental illness caused struggle and emotional suffering, but lead me to seek help. The support I found brought solace and healing, and eventually opened doors that led to becoming a therapist. It is such a meaningful experience to reach those who are now where I once was.
So, if you're struggling, suffering, or unsure how to make desired changes, I'd be happy to walk through those challenges with you.
Over the years I had opportunities to work in many settings, including medical and mental health hospitals, intensive outpatient, and residential addiction treatment centers, and now private practice.
First session
First sessions are a simple, unstructured interview: No right or wrong answers. You're the expert of your experience. We'll get to know each other, explore what's been going on, and start developing what we would like to be different.
Strengths
What I believe in most is providing an attentive, compassionate space where clients can choose what they want from their session. I'm here to help, listen, and illuminate possible options that can make a difference. So, if you're struggling, suffering, or unsure how to make desired changes, I'd be happy to walk through those challenges with you.
Ideal clients
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I provide talk therapy, guided by mindfulness and acceptance based cognitive therapies (primarily Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). For trauma or abuse, I also provide Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (which can alleviate the suffering associated with PTSD).
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
If you find yourself lost in unhelpful stories told by your mind, or on a never ending struggle to get rid of unwanted emotions and experiences, you're in good company. We all do, from time to time. Fortunately, there are flexible ways of getting out of these ruts, and moving closer to what you care about.
EMDR
You don't have to spend your whole life suffering from your trauma. EMDR can give you relief.
Location
Virtual sessions