Mark Stewart, Ed.S, LMFT-A
Columbia, SC
Therapy for couples, individuals and all relational connections
About
How Might I Help You?
Let's face it; most people reaching out are in a highly activated state - stressed and worried - and often mistrustful from hard experience. I can help; we can work together to relocate you to a place of calm, hopeful confidence in your life, and a feeling of being better-bonded with those closest to you.
Individuals
Whether single or attached, from teenagers through our later years. Focus on men, and men's issues, though all are welcome and if this resonates with you, let's talk.
Couples
Relationship structures of all kinds are welcome; life can be complicated, and that can be okay, or not. Your choice.
Families
Families, whether blood or by choice, can be confusing; how do you want to be seen and understood?
MY ROAD TO THERAPY
My counseling practice is grounded in systemic therapy, relationships and the idea of the spaces between people. Emotionally focused approaches most resonate with me and inform my therapeutic outlook. I hold an Ed.S graduate degree from the University of South Carolina, focused in marriage, couples and family therapy.
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Earlier in my career, I focused on mediation and collaboration in high-stakes corporate negotiations – some of which were “bet the farm” bids for transformation and growth. This followed a Master of Science degree from Columbia University in New York City at the start of my career. While a native of Oregon, I spent the next couple of decades in New York City, then Columbia, SC for several years, with a return to New England for another decade. I am now back happily settled in the Midlands, parenting adult children with my partner.
These adventures have instilled a strong sense of perspective and an even stronger connection to openness and exploration. A narrative therapy lens informs my approach to counseling in general. Another evidence-based therapy utilized is Emotionally-Focused Therapy and I have completed my ICEEFT Advaced Skills-level training in this approach (2024) and am continuing toward full certification in EFT. In addition, I have a trauma-informed certification from MUSC and have completed level 1 of the Gottman method of couples counseling.
