Mark Olexa, LMSW

Mark Olexa is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in Michigan with 38 years of experience helping people manage mood, stress, and addictive patterns. He focuses on straightforward talk therapy and practical steps people can use between sessions. Mark aims to help people regain control when life feels overwhelming. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of acting. Client-Centered Therapy guides conversations so the person's own goals lead the work. He also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills when emotions run high. Sessions often include creating specific goals and small homework tasks to practice new skills. When substance use is an issue, he works on recovery planning and relapse prevention techniques. He also helps people make decisions around work, relationships, and life purpose. Mark partners with clients to identify next steps and practical coping tools. If a matter goes beyond his scope - such as detailed legal, financial, or medical needs - he will recommend other professionals. His style is direct and goal-focused, with an emphasis on usable strategies. People contact him for stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, ADHD, anger, and issues related to caregiving, codependency, or workplace strain. He also supports those dealing with guilt, shame, or midlife transitions. Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.

Using CBT and Skills-Based Methods Online

CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. It helps people manage anxiety, depression, mood swings, and everyday stress by practicing concrete skills and small experiments between sessions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, listening-centered approach. The therapist follows the person's goals and helps them clarify what matters most, which can be useful for life purpose, decision-making, or relationship concerns. Finding the right approach is part of the work. Mark will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and then shape sessions to fit those needs. That collaboration helps decide whether CBT techniques, skills from DBT, motivational interviewing, or a client-centered frame will be most useful. Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging let people send updates, ask questions between sessions, or complete brief check-ins when schedules are tight. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent and to practice skills in real life. Therapists can assign short homework tasks, review progress in follow-up messages, and adjust plans as goals change.