Mark Laster , LCSW-R

Mark Laster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) practicing in New York who focuses on helping adults and older adults navigate emotional and practical challenges. With a background in working with people facing both physical and emotional difficulties, he emphasizes a clear, solution-oriented approach that aims to identify needs quickly and connect clients with appropriate resources.

He begins by assessing each person’s situation to determine priorities and practical steps, then offers supportive guidance as those steps are put into place. His style centers on short-term, goal-focused work while remaining attentive to the ongoing supports someone may need during transitions or crises. Mark draws on methods that help people manage stress, mood concerns, relationship and family issues, grief, and other life changes.

As a clinician, he integrates practical problem solving with empathetic listening, helping clients build skills and access services that address immediate problems and longer term goals. He communicates clearly about the therapy process and collaborates with clients to tailor interventions to their circumstances. LCSW-R denotes his Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential in New York, reflecting specialized training in clinical social work.

Approach-focused online therapy with practical methods

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes understanding each person’s experience from their perspective. The therapist offers empathic listening and supports clients in exploring their feelings and goals, which can be helpful for building self-esteem, coping with grief, and managing relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. CBT uses structured techniques to develop coping skills and practical strategies for everyday challenges.

Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on setting clear, attainable goals and identifying strengths and resources to achieve them. This brief, goal-oriented method is useful for clients seeking focused progress on specific problems or life transitions.

Determining the best approach is a collaborative process. Mark works with clients to choose or combine methods based on individual needs, goals, and preferences, and licensed professionals adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online sessions via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. These options offer flexibility in scheduling and allow people to access consistent care from different settings, helping maintain momentum between sessions.