About Mark

Hello!  My name is Mark Pletcher, and I’ve been on a search for “what works” in life and in therapy for 20+ years.  I’ve been working with individuals and couples since 1994 to help them move from the past and into the futures they desire. Everyday, I help people with a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, other emotional issues, interpersonal and couples’ problems, trauma (past and present), career performance, grief and loss, and issues around sex and sexuality.   I teach people how to observe, manage, and direct their thoughts and feelings, and then how to create the life and/or relationship they desire.

I remember back in the 90s, when I saw for the first time the real power that can come from good counseling.  I was working with a couple who’d been married for almost 25 years and they’d just had it with each other.  We’ll call them Tim and Sarah.  Sarah was agitated and depressed much of the time, and Tim was distant, sad, and lost.  As we spent time together, they were able to learn to talk through things they’d avoided for years, both as individuals and in their marriage.  They learned to figure out what they wanted, and to say it directly, clearly, and respectfully.  They learned to negotiate so they could both get their needs met.  They fell back in love.  And at the end of our time together, Sarah said, “I wish we would have met you 20 years ago!”  I was so proud of them and happy for them.  And, that wasn’t the last time I heard a phrase like that!  I’m grateful to have years of success stories to reflect upon.

I’m very interactive in sessions: I won’t leave you sitting there, feeling like you’re talking to a wall.  I work with every client to help them get where they want to go, and add ideas and suggestions to help expand their horizons.  I am able to utilize my experience about “what works” to help people, step by step, create the lives they desire.  You can read more of my clients’ experiences on the Testimonial page (“My Clients Speak for Themselves”).

I’d be happy to talk with you about your specific situation.  Give a call to 847.204.2304 or email to markpletcher@comcast.net to set up your free 10-minute consultation or to schedule a session.

 

P.S.  For anyone interested in my credentials:  I have a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois (since 1998).  I’m also a member of the International Association of Coaching.  I have training in a number of therapeutic modalities, and have extensive experience working with addiction and recovery as well.