Mark Mikyska, LCPC

Mark Mikyska is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 18 years of experience based in Illinois. He offers straightforward, respectful care for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship struggles. His voice is warm and collaborative, and he helps clients learn skills they can use outside sessions.

Mark uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with mindfulness and trauma-focused methods to address thoughts, behaviors, and emotional reactions. He also draws on psychodynamic and existential ideas when that helps people understand long-standing patterns. Sessions tend to focus on practical steps and on making sense of difficult feelings.

He has a background as a crisis worker in the Chicago area and has supported people dealing with emotional abuse, veteran-related concerns, and caregiving stress. That experience informs his approach to grief, addiction, and anger as well as sleep and burnout issues. He aims to meet people where they are and work at a manageable pace.

In sessions Mark encourages clients to become their own best resource by learning coping tools and noticing unhelpful patterns. He balances skill-building with space to process painful memories and current life strain. Over time this work is meant to reduce distress and increase day-to-day functioning.

People who come to him often want clear strategies paired with thoughtful reflection. He explains ideas in plain language and helps set small, realistic goals. Mark practices in Illinois and conducts sessions in English.

Approaches that translate well to online care

CBT helps people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through clear, structured exercises. It is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress because it offers concrete tools and short-term practice tasks.

Mindfulness therapy teaches ways to pay attention to the present moment without judgment. These practices can reduce rumination and help with emotion regulation, making them useful for anxiety, trauma reactions, and coping with chronic stress.

Trauma-focused therapy concentrates on processing and containing painful memories and their effects on daily life. It usually combines supportive pacing with techniques to manage overwhelming feelings and improve coping after abuse or crisis.

Finding the right blend of methods is a collaborative process. Mark will work with each person to pick approaches that match their goals, pace, and preferences. Together they set small, achievable steps and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and shared exercises. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier when movement or camera use is difficult. Live chat and messaging are helpful for short check-ins, homework review, or support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to continue care from a distance.