Mark Awdykowyz, LPC
Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Trauma and abuse
Anger management
Depression
Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging
About me
Having been raised as an only child and a second generation American, my father was a functional alcoholic who taught me the meaning of hard work and relational disconnection. My Italian mom was nurturing, provided unconditional love and began teaching me how to cook at age 13. When my parents divorced when I was a young teen, it left me feeling hurt, angry, confused, lost and alone. At seventeen, I joined the US Marines, hoping to prove my worth or die trying in Viet Nam. Fortunately, I was never shipped overseas. That four-year stint resulted in drug addiction, two meritorious promotions and a spiritual awakening that has kept me sober since November 1976. After an honorable discharge, my formal education began in the allied health profession, followed by biblical studies, a Masters in Divinity, a Masters in Theology and a Masters in Community Counseling.
My spiritual journey began taking root in 1978 through The Navigators ministry. In 1982, I married my one and only wife; she has been instrumental in helping me develop into a better man. After completing seminary, I served in inner city rescue ministry for nearly 12 years, then returned to active duty as an Army Chaplain due to 9/11, and retired in December 2013. I then worked for the Veterans Health Administration in a psychiatric residential treatment facility for mental health and substance abuse disorder; I retired in September 2019.
Life is full of uncertainties and it rarely turns out as we had planned. I believe that we are sojourners in this world and need the support of a healthy community of family, friends and a life grounded in the truth that's wrapped in love. We all have made mistakes and poor choices along the way; I know that I am no exception here. I also know that the world isn't always a safe place and some of us have suffered trauma at the hands of others. Sometimes, those whom we had trusted to keep us safe actually caused the harm. So whether we struggle with guilt and shame, anxiety, depression, anger, substance abuse, addictive behavior or simply can't seem to make sense of life, we shouldn't allow ourselves to journey alone. I believe that there are solutions to life's challenges. Those solutions, though not always easily uncovered, are designed to be revealed by embracing the struggle together and pushing through them. We are not designed to navigate life alone, nor avoiding life's difficulties through denial, self-medication or any other unwanted or unhealthy behavior that masks the pain. I believe that as humans in the Western culture, we tend to suffer in silence. What is that about? Consequently, I believe we should all begin with a very short, but profoundly deep question: "Do I want to become well?"
During my four plus decades of recovery, it has been a privilege to assist people as a chaplain, teacher and counselor. Listening to my clients' stories has also helped me become a better person and certainly, a more empathic listener and less of an interrogator. I consider myself a fellow pilgrim in this journey called life who longs for a place where righteousness, peace and joy abounds. I enjoy working out daily, cooking, reading for personal growth and professional development, teaching, encouraging others, meeting positive and like-minded people, driving my 1972 VW and seeking to maintain a healthy balance in my life.
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Professional experience
31yrs in practice
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Compassion fatigue, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Forgiveness, Guilt and Shame
Clinical approaches: Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy
License information
WY LPC LPC-1815
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Mark Awdykowyz. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
He's been a lot of help to me
Written on May 24, 2023 after therapy with Mark for 4 months on issues concerning depression, and parenting issues
Mark has helped me align myself exactly where I needed to be. He helped me guide myself by validation, accountability and understanding. He empowered me and will forever be thankful for that.
Written on Apr 19, 2023 after therapy with Mark for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Mark is an incredibly compassionate and gentle soul. He is also perceptive and direct and so attentive, truly everything you could desire in a mental health professional. I feel completely respected and understood when working with him. Having his insight and support has improved my life immensely.
Written on Apr 06, 2023 after therapy with Mark for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Mark listens attentively, identifies and addresses the real issues, and provides useful suggestions.
Written on Dec 21, 2022 after therapy with Mark for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Mark has a great listening ear and offers great empathy during his sessions
What I particularly enjoyed was his vulnerability to share similar stories of what he went through which helped give me hope with my own circumstances
He is gentle and really works at your pace- he also tells you the truth with love and is quite objective in doing so
Written on Dec 04, 2022 after therapy with Mark for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
I’ve really enjoyed working with Mark!
Written on Nov 10, 2022 after therapy with Mark for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues