PuttingFamilyFirst

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ML Portrait of Mark Laster
Online therapist

Mark Laster

Problem-focused support for everyday challenges

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Credentials
LCSW-R
Experience
12 years
Licensed in
New York
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Mark

Mark Laster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with deep experience supporting adults through change. He practices with a straightforward, solution-minded style. Sessions focus on assessing immediate needs and finding practical steps to move forward.

He uses a mix of client-centered listening and goal-focused techniques. That means he listens first, then helps set small, realistic goals. He also draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to address unhelpful thoughts that make stress or low mood worse.

Background and approach

Mark brings 12 years of experience as a New York LCSW-R. He helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, grief, and anger. He also supports those facing career shifts, relationship strain, or major life transitions.

Additional areas he attends to include aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, and recovery after traumatic brain injury or disasters. He is attentive to multicultural concerns and offers approaches that consider each person’s background. In sessions he aims to combine practical strategies with steady support.

The work often includes setting specific tasks, practicing new ways of thinking, and tracking small changes. The overall goal is to help clients find clearer choices and feel more capable handling life’s challenges.

How therapeutic approaches meet the convenience of online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person’s perspective before choosing steps forward. It helps people feel heard and guides what goals to set together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It teaches practical skills to test and shift unhelpful thinking patterns that drive anxiety or low mood.

Solution-Focused Therapy zeroes in on small, achievable changes. Sessions emphasize clear short-term goals and simple steps that can reduce stress and build confidence.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with the client about their needs, goals, and preferences and then recommend techniques to try. Plans are adjusted over time based on what is working.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. That variety makes it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to continue work between meetings. For many people, remote options make consistent progress more practical and reliable.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar mood issues, grief, anger, relationship strain, family matters, trauma and abuse, self-esteem problems, career questions, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He combines client-centered listening with solution-focused work and cognitive behavioral techniques to set goals and change unhelpful thoughts.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 12 years of professional experience as a licensed social worker in New York.
Where is he licensed and based?
He holds a New York LCSW-R license, NY LCSW-R 026562, and practices from New York.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients supported?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be held by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are fees and getting started handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
12 years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English

Next step

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