Mark Hrastar, MA, EdM, LMHC

My approach is the product of over a decade of experience working collaboratively with clients in an environment of non-judgement. I believe in taking an introspective and collaborative approach when working with adults and adolescents. I believe this kind of treatment approach allows the patients to recognize their own ability to heal based on their own experiences and judgement. Every day we bear the burden of deep emotional wounds and pain that can often cause us to become disillusioned with ourselves, others and the world at large. Avoiding these struggles is a natural way of coping for most of us. But despite the temporary relief it brings, coping in this way often maintains unhealthy and irrational beliefs, negative feelings, and unproductive, or even destructive, behaviors. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the healing factor and work to be authentic, transparent as well as professional. By providing a safe, supportive and compassionate environment, my clients can find the strength to explore and process their issues without judgement, being stigmatized or pathologized. Encouraging and empowering clients to turn towards and explore these areas of difficulty in their lives can lead to lasting change and new ways to relate to themselves, others and the world.