- Client-centered approach
- Solution-focused work
- Practical steps
About Mark
Mark Laster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) based in New York. He uses a client-centered approach to understand each person's experience and meet them where they are. He focuses on practical support and clear steps to address whatever is most pressing.
With twelve years of recent experience, he helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders including bipolar concerns. He also supports those coping with grief, trauma and abuse, anger, and relationship or family challenges. Mark offers care for career transitions and life changes as well.
He emphasizes realistic, solution-focused work. That means identifying immediate needs, connecting people with useful resources, and setting short-term goals that make daily life easier. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are used when they fit the client’s goals.
Mark has experience addressing aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, and the effects of natural or human-caused disaster. He also notes attention to multicultural concerns, hearing impaired clients, men’s issues, and traumatic brain injury where relevant to the person.
In sessions he aims to move from assessment to action quickly, while staying responsive to each person’s pace. The tone is practical and collaborative, focused on solutions that can be put into practice between meetings.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy puts the person’s concerns and priorities first. In practice this means sessions begin by listening to what feels most urgent and shaping the work around those goals. This approach helps with stress, grief, relationship worries, and coping with life changes.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors affect mood. It uses brief exercises and practical tools to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and to manage mood swings. Solution-Focused Therapy narrows the focus to what’s already working and builds small, achievable steps toward change, which suits people who want quick, practical progress.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, try strategies together, and adjust the plan based on what helps. The emphasis is on finding methods that match the client’s needs and preferences.
If you plan to try online sessions, confirm the available session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, shorten check-ins, avoid travel time, and maintain continuity during disruptions. Many people find these practical benefits help them follow through on the steps discussed in therapy.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Mark commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar concerns, grief, trauma and abuse, anger, relationship and family concerns, career change, and coping with major life transitions.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His practice is client-centered and solution-focused, blending practical problem-solving with cognitive behavioral techniques when helpful.
What is his background and experience?
He holds the LCSW-R credential and brings twelve years of recent clinical experience working with adults and related concerns.
Where is his practice located and what are his credentials?
He practices in New York and is credentialed as an LCSW-R in that state.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved to begin therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.