Mark Butkus, LISW-CP, LCSW

Mark Butkus is a licensed clinical social worker with 18 years of experience. He is licensed in South Carolina as an independent social worker and also holds a license in Maine. He aims to make the first step into therapy easier by creating a calm, nonjudgmental space for people to talk about what matters to them.

He uses a client-centered approach that focuses on the person's needs and goals. He also integrates cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice patterns in thinking and behavior that increase stress or anxiety. Mindfulness practices are used to build skills for staying present and managing strong emotions.

Mark has worked with people dealing with trauma and abuse, grief and loss, depression, anger, and addictive behaviors. He also offers support for sleep problems, parenting strain, relationship and intimacy concerns, self-esteem, career stress, ADHD, bipolar challenges, and compassion fatigue. Additional focus areas include issues facing first responders and veterans or people connected to the armed forces.

In sessions he encourages straightforward conversation and practical steps. He helps people set small goals, try new coping strategies, and notice what changes. Over time this approach aims to reduce distress and increase a sense of control.

To begin, people typically complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability. Mark works in English and accepts international clients.

How client-centered and CBT approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following what matters most to the person. Online sessions can still prioritize the client's goals, give space to tell difficult stories, and adapt pace and topics to each person's needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try small behavioral experiments. Delivered remotely, CBT often uses guided exercises, practical homework, and real-time coaching to change patterns that feed anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and practical needs, and then choose or combine methods that fit. That collaboration helps tailor sessions so they feel useful and manageable.

Confirm the exact session options before booking so you know how appointments are scheduled. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example a shorter check-in during a break, a session without needing a commute, or choosing a format that uses less bandwidth. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework for remote visits to keep progress moving forward.