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Mark Sikora

Mark Sikora, LICSW

Washington

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LICSW - Relationships and Mood Concerns

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Trauma and grief
  • Communication skills

About Mark

Mark Sikora is a Washington-licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with 40 years of professional experience. He works with adults on issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship challenges. His practice also covers grief, addiction, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and stress from life changes.

Mark sees people who are navigating difficult transitions, including career shifts, parenting strain, and the emotional fallout from loss or conflict. He emphasizes that clients know their own stories and brings practical skills to help them notice what gets in the way and what can help. Sessions focus on clear steps and real-life coping strategies rather than jargon.

He uses methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and the Gottman Method. These approaches guide conversations about values, thought patterns, emotional regulation, and communication. Mark aims to mix active skill-building with open discussion so people can try new ways of responding between sessions.

His background includes long-term work with people facing severe mood disorders, grief, and critical incident stress. That experience informs a steady, pragmatic approach when someone is overwhelmed or unsure what to do next. He pays attention to how grief shifts over time and helps people manage complicated emotional responses.

Practical concerns such as sleep, eating, substance use, and relationship conflicts are part of the work. Mark supports individuals who want clearer thinking, steadier moods, and better ways to handle daily pressures.

How his therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Clients can expect to use approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in their online sessions. ACT focuses on clarifying values and taking meaningful action even when feelings are uncomfortable, which helps with life transitions and avoidance. CBT targets thought patterns and behaviors that keep problems going, and is helpful for anxiety, depression, sleep, and eating issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences, then try methods that fit the person's needs. That collaborative decision makes it easier to adjust methods over time based on what actually helps.

Confirm the exact session options before booking, since formats were not specified. Online sessions can make it easier to schedule appointments around work or school, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when days are busy. They also let people continue regular work on skills between sessions without changing daily routines.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

40+ years

Listed in

Washington

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of issues does he work with?

He works with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family concerns, addiction, grief, ADHD, bipolar issues, and related life changes.

How would he describe his therapeutic style?

He combines client-centered conversation with active skills from CBT, DBT, ACT, and the Gottman Method to address thinking patterns, emotion regulation, and communication.

What is his background and experience?

He has 40 years of professional experience working with mood disorders, grief, and critical incident stress, and applies that experience to steady, practical care.

What are his credentials and where is he located?

He is a LICSW licensed in Washington.

Does he work in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with him?

International clients are not accepted at this time.

How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin a first session?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session.

Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.

Mark SikoraLICSW

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