Hello, You may have often heard some people say that therapy is for only those with a mental illness or are "crazy". I'm Mark G. Koch and have been a licensed Marriage Family Therapist since 1996, and I can honestly tell you that those type of statements are a myth. Everyone has a view of how the world works and we use the tools we have to deal with our issues, but occasionally there comes a time when a problem arises that we have no answer to. At this point we become "stuck". You can say that these are the cards life has dealt you and do nothing, or you can get help to learn new ways to see your world and use new tools to change your world. You have the strength and you have the power and somewhere in your mind, you have the answers. My job is to help you find them and to show you how to use them, so that you can begin to move towards whatever your goals are for your world. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including private practice, psychiatric hospitals, County Mental Health, non-profit organizations and most recently utilizing remote virtual therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups. My expertise in is Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other Anxiety Disorders along with Depression, but I also have had a multitude of experience with Personality Disorders, Bi-Polar Disorders, and with dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis is when a person has a mental health issue such as depression, and is also dealing with a drug/alcohol issue. Having said all of this, I actually have had a great amount of success dealing with adolescents, those having relationship issues, and communication between couples. I look forward to hearing from you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I seem to have a different way of looking at someone's issues, for often I have been able to listen to and observe what many other clinicians may miss. Most people feel that they are alone in their issues and often feel embarrassed in talking about certain things because they may be the only person who is dealing with that issue. What a person can learn from me, is that no matter how strange your issue or thoughts may be, there are many others with the same issue, feeling the same way you are. We all are different, but in some ways we are all the same. I utilize analogies and stories that pertain to the persons life, so that they can understand their issue, without having to hear a lot of "big psych words". I don't like big psych words.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My biggest strength is something that I never studied or was taught. Since I was a child I have always watched other people and tried to understand what they were doing and why. Such as two people arguing in a shopping mall. After all these years, I have been able to see patterns in human behavior, that has actually helped me in seeing patterns that one may live their lives by. It is often these patterns that need to change and not the person. I also have discovered a simple technique that has allowed me to get adolescents to talk with me. If you have ever tried to talk to a teenager, then you know it is the same in therapy. Please note: The calendar that you see on this site does not always correspond exactly to my personal schedule. I may have to change appt times if needed.