- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
About Mark
Mark Jim Shelton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Utah with 40 years of professional experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, anger, and depression. He also addresses related challenges such as chronic pain and illness, codependency, addiction, family of origin issues, and questions about life purpose.
Mark sees clients as experts in their own lives and looks for strengths they can use. He encourages practical steps and honest conversation. Sessions focus on identifying what feels stuck and trying clear, manageable changes.
His approach centers on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that aim to reduce symptoms and improve coping. He listens for patterns that keep problems repeating and helps people try different ways of responding. The work is collaborative and paced to match what each person can take on.
People who come in worried about mood, panic, obsessions, phobias, or post-traumatic stress will find focused strategies to address those problems. He also supports those dealing with self-harm urges, issues around self-love, and sexual or relationship compulsions. Conversations can include setting boundaries, reshaping unhelpful habits, and building clearer goals.
Mark accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English. For anyone unsure about next steps, he asks for a short description of the concern, then helps pick initial goals and a first plan.
How evidence-based approaches translate to online sessions
Many evidence-based techniques focus on changing thoughts and behaviors through guided practice. Cognitive approaches look at the thoughts that fuel anxiety, depression, or negative self-image and teach people how to test and shift those thoughts. Behavioral strategies use graded steps and experiments to reduce avoidance, manage panic attacks, or face phobias in manageable pieces.Exposure-based work helps people gradually confront fears and reduce avoidance over time, which is useful for phobias, panic, and post-traumatic stress related reactions. Skills-based methods teach specific tools for managing anger, intrusive thoughts, or compulsive urges so people can use them when symptoms flare.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust as needed based on what helps. That collaborative testing helps match techniques to each person's situation and preferences.
Confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. They can also make it simpler to schedule around work, health appointments, or caregiving responsibilities. Licensed professionals can explain which format will best meet a client's needs during the initial planning conversation.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
Utah
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, anger, and depression, plus related areas like chronic pain, addiction, and life purpose questions.
How does he approach someone who feels stuck?
He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to identify repeating patterns and test small, practical changes. Work is collaborative and paced to what the person can manage.
How many years has he been practicing?
He has 40 years of professional experience working with a range of mood, anxiety, trauma, and relationship problems.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LCSW licensed in Utah and practices with that credential in the state.
Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
Yes, he accepts international clients.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.