| Mark Warner, Psy.D. |
MY APPROACH
You will likely find that my therapy style is quite active. I am not prone to quiet non-response
or stereotypic “mmhmm’s” or repetitive “tell-me-more’s”. While I will not single-handedly solve
your problems or even tell you what to do, I do believe in being an active, involved partner in
solving problems. To this end, I believe in giving direct, honest feedback. I believe the best
therapy involves real interaction and give-and-take, which can include space for expressing
yourself and receiving support, or confronting difficult subjects, or even humor. As we
progress in therapy I will make suggestions, help you explore viable options, and point out
opportunities to try out new behaviors or responses.
When we struggle or things don’t go as we’d hoped, we can be susceptible to harsh self-
criticism, worry, or doubt in our own ability to create the outcomes we wish for.
I often see these struggles as the understandable result of very real, difficult situations,
combined with skill sets that could be further strengthened. These skills (ability to change
upsetting thoughts, ability to let go or shift mindset, ability to resolve conflicts or deal with
difficult people, ability to assert oneself, ability to calm oneself, healthy decision-making, self
care, managing boundaries, communication styles, etc.) can be mastered through greater
awareness and practice. In addition, we all have various native strengths (though sometimes
it is hard for us to see our own). I see it as part of my role in therapy to help to uncover and
maximize those strengths you already possess.
Like many therapists, I view understanding how past experiences influence our current
situation as an important part of therapy. However, it seems clear that insight about the past,
by itself, does not necessarily equate to change. If we are to live and thrive in the present,
we must address problems in the present and change in the present. As such, I believe in
focusing on the here-and-now (actively changing current thoughts, behaviors, choices, etc.)
in the service of creating relief of current symptoms or distress.
Part of a here-and-now approach to change involves fostering a sense of personal
responsibility and personal power. In difficult times we can sometimes feel out of control or
feel like situations are out of our control. Yet in those times there is often the opportunity to
exert much more power over the situation than we realize. Part of my job is to help you
uncover where you can exert more influence over your circumstances. In those situations
where control is not a realistic option, then therapy can help you master graceful acceptance
of matters that are truly out of your hands.
Importantly, I believe it is paramount to respect the personal, cultural, and spiritual values that
a person brings to the table, and how these may have influenced your past and present. And
while I am certainly invested in helping to reduce your suffering and improve your sense of
wellbeing, I am careful not to impose my version of health onto you. Rather, I see my role as
being a supportive and active partner in which to explore and open up new options from
which you can choose, if and when you decide. During that process I can provide a caring
and open mind, and a supportive shoulder to lean on.
You will likely find that my therapy style is quite active. I am not prone to quiet non-response
or stereotypic “mmhmm’s” or repetitive “tell-me-more’s”. While I will not single-handedly solve
your problems or even tell you what to do, I do believe in being an active, involved partner in
solving problems. To this end, I believe in giving direct, honest feedback. I believe the best
therapy involves real interaction and give-and-take, which can include space for expressing
yourself and receiving support, or confronting difficult subjects, or even humor. As we
progress in therapy I will make suggestions, help you explore viable options, and point out
opportunities to try out new behaviors or responses.
When we struggle or things don’t go as we’d hoped, we can be susceptible to harsh self-
criticism, worry, or doubt in our own ability to create the outcomes we wish for.
I often see these struggles as the understandable result of very real, difficult situations,
combined with skill sets that could be further strengthened. These skills (ability to change
upsetting thoughts, ability to let go or shift mindset, ability to resolve conflicts or deal with
difficult people, ability to assert oneself, ability to calm oneself, healthy decision-making, self
care, managing boundaries, communication styles, etc.) can be mastered through greater
awareness and practice. In addition, we all have various native strengths (though sometimes
it is hard for us to see our own). I see it as part of my role in therapy to help to uncover and
maximize those strengths you already possess.
Like many therapists, I view understanding how past experiences influence our current
situation as an important part of therapy. However, it seems clear that insight about the past,
by itself, does not necessarily equate to change. If we are to live and thrive in the present,
we must address problems in the present and change in the present. As such, I believe in
focusing on the here-and-now (actively changing current thoughts, behaviors, choices, etc.)
in the service of creating relief of current symptoms or distress.
Part of a here-and-now approach to change involves fostering a sense of personal
responsibility and personal power. In difficult times we can sometimes feel out of control or
feel like situations are out of our control. Yet in those times there is often the opportunity to
exert much more power over the situation than we realize. Part of my job is to help you
uncover where you can exert more influence over your circumstances. In those situations
where control is not a realistic option, then therapy can help you master graceful acceptance
of matters that are truly out of your hands.
Importantly, I believe it is paramount to respect the personal, cultural, and spiritual values that
a person brings to the table, and how these may have influenced your past and present. And
while I am certainly invested in helping to reduce your suffering and improve your sense of
wellbeing, I am careful not to impose my version of health onto you. Rather, I see my role as
being a supportive and active partner in which to explore and open up new options from
which you can choose, if and when you decide. During that process I can provide a caring
and open mind, and a supportive shoulder to lean on.
 |  |  |  |  |  |
"It's not easy to
find happiness
in ourselves,
and it is
impossible to
find it
elsewhere."
--Agnes Repplier
find happiness
in ourselves,
and it is
impossible to
find it
elsewhere."
--Agnes Repplier
Office:
5565 College Ave,
Suite #314 d
Oakland, CA 94618
Phone:
(510) 282-6854
5565 College Ave,
Suite #314 d
Oakland, CA 94618
Phone:
(510) 282-6854
