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MS Portrait of Mark Sikora

Mark Sikora

Relationship-focused LICSW with 40 years' experience

LICSW Washington

Experience
40 years in practice
Focus areas
Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Mark

About Mark

Mark Sikora is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in Washington with four decades of experience. He aims to help people who are feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, grief, or big life changes.

Background and approach

He speaks plain language and offers steady support as clients take steps toward more satisfying days. Mark focuses on relationships, trauma and abuse, and mood concerns including bipolar disorder.

He also helps with stress, addictions, intimacy-related issues, sleep and eating concerns, and work or career challenges. Parenting strain, caregiver stress, and blended family issues are part of his experience as well.

In sessions he treats the person as the expert in their own life and looks for strengths to build on. Conversations are practical and grounded.

He listens for what matters most and helps clients try small changes that feel manageable. Mark draws on several evidence-based approaches to shape sessions, including Gottman Method work for relationship patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and action, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for thinking and behavior shifts.

He also uses client-centered and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ideas when they fit. With many years of practice, he brings experience handling complex or co-occurring problems such as chronic illness, codependency, attachment concerns, and coping after disasters.

His goal is steady, realistic progress rather than quick fixes.

Online approaches for relationships and mood

Mark often uses the Gottman Method to look at interaction patterns, communication habits, and ways partners reconnect; this work focuses on practical skills to reduce conflict and increase understanding. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, clarify personal values, and take small committed steps even when emotions are difficult. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to identify and shift thought and behavior patterns that keep symptoms like anxiety and depression active.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That means trying techniques, checking what helps, and adjusting over time together.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for full conversations and skill practice. Phone sessions can fit a short break or require less bandwidth. Live chat and text messaging are good for brief check-ins, homework support, or when someone prefers writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or busy schedules.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can be addressed in sessions?
He works with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, stress, intimacy concerns, sleep and eating difficulties, parenting strain, and career or self-esteem challenges.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions are practical and straightforward, focusing on strengths and small, manageable changes. The clinician listens closely and tailors approaches to what feels useful for each person.
How much experience does he have?
He brings 40 years of professional experience working with mood disorders, trauma, and complex, co-occurring problems.
What credentials and region should I know about?
He holds the LICSW credential and practices in Washington state under the designation WA LICSW LW.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
He works with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

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

Licensed in

Washington

Languages

English