Mark Van Hoose
I am a compassionate, experienced Licensed Independent Social Worker and Certified Sex Therapist with 20+ years of clinical practice spanning individual therapy, couples therapy, group counseling, and family systems work. I have expertise in working with compulsive behaviors, sex therapy, and trauma-informed care. I have experience with clients who have specialized issues related to various forms of neurodivergence.
First session
The first session is a get-to-know-you opportunity both for you to get to know me and for me to get to know you. You don't need to disclose everything at the beginning. I only need enough understanding of your issues to get started. It is helpful if you explain why you chose to come to therapy and what you are hoping it will do for you. It is my job to create a welcoming and safe environment for you to share your thoughts. I will make sure that you understand your rights and the rules and laws that govern ethical therapeutic practice.
Strengths
I approach working with clients through the lens of relationships. First and foremost, I work to establish a relationship of trust and commitment with my clients. I recognize that they have deeply personal and vulnerable topics to explore that require utmost sensitivity on my part. Next, I walk with the client to explore their relationship with themself and their problem. I see the client as an expert on their experiences. I am but a brief visitor to their world. In sessions, I provide questions and frameworks that enable the client to explore and understand their issues. Very often, we discover that the solutions are new attitudes and healthier relationships with themselves.
Ideal clients
In general, I work with clients wherever they are in their healing journey. There are no prerequisites. However, the individuals who have decided that they are ready to make changes and want to enter into a journey of self-discovery tend to have the best outcomes. I am always excited when a client brings a notebook to write down particularly helpful thoughts or insights.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This is a method of therapy where we explore your thoughts and how they influence the ways that you do things in your life. It very often involves reframing issues in a healthier or more positive way. I help you to explore the underlying beliefs that might lead to certain behaviors. And by changing these beliefs, the behaviors change with them.
Sex Therapy
Sexual issues are not handled well in our larger society. Sex therapy is an opportunity to reverse that in your immediate environment. It is a safe place to explore the sexual desires, fantasies, or behaviors that are concerning to you or interfering with a healthy, well-rounded life for yourself. You are always in charge of what you want to disclose. I will ensure that the therapy is a safe and shame-free environment.
Gottman method
This is based on the work and research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman. They have found the basic components of a healthy romantic relationship and created tools to help couples to have more satisfying and healthy relationships. In therapy, these methods are taught, discussed, and integrated into the unique relationship of the couple.
Location
Virtual sessions