Mark Olexa, LMSW

Mark Olexa is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 38 years of clinical experience. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, mood swings, addictions, and the particular challenges that come with midlife transitions. He listens carefully and helps clients set clear, realistic goals for change.

He blends client-centered listening with practical methods drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Sessions are focused and down-to-earth, with concrete steps for coping and decision-making. Homework exercises and relapse-prevention skills are offered when they help support progress.

His work covers common concerns such as depression, bipolar mood shifts, anger, ADHD, and issues that arise at work or in caregiving roles. He also helps people facing guilt, shame, codependency, or questions about life purpose. For substance use, he provides individual counseling and recovery planning.

When a problem is beyond his role, he will refer clients to other professionals for legal, financial, or medical issues. The emphasis is on practical planning and steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Mark aims to help people clarify values, make informed choices, and build routines that reduce overwhelm. He welcomes conversations about what’s causing stress and works with each person to develop steps they can try between sessions.

How these approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening without judgment and helping people clarify their own goals; online sessions let the therapist follow the client’s lead and respond to what matters most. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and tests small changes; that structure works well in conversations and short practical exercises during online appointments. Motivational interviewing is a collaborative style that helps people resolve mixed feelings about change by building motivation and practical next steps.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and day-to-day life. That choice can evolve as progress is made and new challenges appear.

The practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into a busy week, quicker check-ins when time is limited, and the ability to continue work when travel or distance would make in-person visits difficult. The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options when you book. Online work is used to help people practice skills, set goals, and keep momentum between meetings.