LPC, 10 years of experience
Hello, My name is Dr. Mark Pope. I have a Ph.D. in Psychology, and I've been a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice for over 10 years. I've worked with a wide variety of clients treating issues such as general anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, depression, PTSD, OCD, as well as those family & relationship problems we encounter throughout our lives. I worked for 15 years as an executive in public health leading an award-winning mental health and wellness program, presenting to international audiences on psychological and therapeutic issues and solutions. I've found my experience working with world class researchers and scientists to be a constant source of inspiration and the friendships I've made continue to bring new ideas and techniques into my private practice. I've also benefited from my time in the U.S. Marine Corps, which gives me insight into experiences and issues associated with military service. I continue to pursue a continuous learning approach to life, always looking to improve as a person and as a therapist. My goal is to provide my friends, family, and clients with the best me possible.
The first session is all about learning about you and how you would like your life to be different. Once I have a general understanding of what's going on I will talk briefly about my approach and how we might work together going forward so you can decide if that works for you. My goal is to establish a safe environment and trusting relationship since that's critical for understanding and change.
I really enjoy people and feel the opportunity to get to know someone, to build a trusting relationship, to gain an understanding about the issues they face, and then work together to find a solution is a privilege. Everybody has different life experiences, so I approach each client as a unique individual and modify my approach to fit their needs. As we get a better understanding of your unique situation, I will suggest possibilities, teach new skills or new ways to think about old problems, and I might even assign homework! My education and experiences give me a wider range of insight, skills, and solutions than most. My approach is to work together to identify a better way forward, to clarify what's wanted, needed, and put you on a path that'll get you there.
People are my passion and helping is my goal. I believe the relationship between therapist and client is a partnership where we work together to understand the path that led to where you are today and the paths that will lead you to a healthy and happier future. We'll work to identify coping skills to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, anger, and depression and improve mood and we'll practice these so they become second nature, rewriting the thought processes that may be preventing you from becoming the person you want to be.
The way we think influences how we feel and behave, and the better we understand our thoughts and thought processes the more likely we are to find a better path! I work with clients to identify how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are related and what needs to change to improve their lives. Then together we identify and learn coping skills and strategies that simplify and improve their lives.
Trauma therapy helps people process their emotions and reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories and I have extensive experience and training on helping people deal with these issues. As a veteran I'm well aware of the impact of trauma and my work with CDC employees returning from international missions further shaped my understanding of and empathy for those searching for answers in the wake of events beyond their control. I work with clients to provide a safe and compassionate environment for healing.