Mark Laster

Mark Laster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) based in New York. He brings a practical, solution-focused approach to common life struggles such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and changes in career or family roles. He aims to assess needs quickly and offer hands-on support that fits each person’s situation.

With 12 years of experience in the licensed social work role, he concentrates on straightforward steps that help people move forward. He uses Client-Centered Therapy to center the person's own goals and perspectives. He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and Solution-Focused Therapy to build workable strategies for day-to-day life.

In sessions he looks for clear, achievable changes rather than long lists of abstract goals. He connects people with resources and practical tools when those are needed. He pays attention to emotional concerns like mood disorders, trauma and abuse, and the strain of caregiving.

Mark also works with issues that can come with aging, hearing impairment, and traumatic brain injury. He addresses multicultural concerns and men’s issues in a down-to-earth way. He aims to make therapy useful and reachable for people balancing multiple responsibilities.

People considering therapy can expect a collaborative effort to define problems and try solutions. He prefers short-term, focused work when that suits the goal, and adapts the pace to each person’s needs.

How his approaches shape online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s own goals and priorities. It means the therapist listens first and helps shape sessions around what matters most to the client. This approach is useful for emotional concerns like grief, family stress, and self-esteem issues.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers simple tools to test and change unhelpful thinking and small behavioral steps that can reduce anxiety and depression. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes short-term, goal-oriented work and helps identify concrete next steps and coping strategies for everyday challenges.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences, and will adjust the plan as progress is made.

Session format options are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session offerings before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce commute time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can use these methods effectively in remote sessions, focusing on practical tools and regular review of progress.