About Mark

My name is Mark Odland, and my mission is to help men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions God created them to be. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, and an experienced faith-based counselor. Over the last 15 years I’ve conducted over 15,000 therapy sessions, trained over 1,000 therapists, and helped over 1,000 clients. If you’re skeptical of therapy, I don’t blame you. But I’m not like most therapists.

Mark with Dr. Jordan B. Peterson

I recently had the privilege of meeting Dr. Peterson and consulting with him on the issues of vicarious trauma, boundaries, faith, compassion, pride, and resentment. His advice for me and my practice was monumental. I would expect nothing less from a heavyweight like Jordan.

Therapist

I received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and went on to receive my EMDR training from renowned EMDR pioneer, Dr. Roger Solomon. In the years to follow, I received hundreds of hours of advanced training in EMDR from international experts, became a Certified EMDR Therapist, an Approved EMDR Consultant, and an Approved EMDR Continuing Education Provider. In this capacity, I have the privilege of training therapists around the world and helping high-achieving men across the country experience breakthrough.

Coach

In addition to providing therapy, I also provide executive coaching for business leaders and mental coaching for elite athletes. My coaching philosophy and approach have been shaped by my experiences as a therapist and through the mentorship of elite coaches. Years ago, I accepted the invitation to receive extensive business coaching from the legendary Scott Hallman (coach to Tony Robbins), and have attended lectures from international speakers like John O’Leary, Ken Coleman, Patrick Lencioni, Dr. John Delony, and Brian Buffini. Most recently, I had the privilege of discussing vicarious trauma with Dr. Jordan B. Peterson.

Creator

I’ve been blessed to author over a dozen books, publish poetry, build businesses, create award-winning visual art, and make guest appearances on national shows like The Healing Trauma Podcast and The Anxiety Slayer Podcast.

Flaws

I’ve had many victories in my life. But at the end of the day, I’m a work in progress. I’ve experienced firsthand the agony of failure, the grief of losing loved ones, and the numbness and compassion fatigue that comes with burnout. I’m far from perfect. But through my faith, the support of loved ones, and trying to practice what I preach by getting my own therapy I’ve become a better version of myself. As a result of these experiences, I now have a heart for helping other successful men experience healing and breakthrough.

Hobbies

When not working, I enjoy surfing, jiu jitsu, hunting, writing, playing guitar, weight training, hiking, connecting at church, and enjoying life on the beach with my wife and 4 kids.

Mark’s Mission

Over the years I’ve observed that the very men who innovate, sacrifice, and invest to make the world a better place are misunderstood by the culture and even by their own wives and kids. In not so many words, they are told to be quiet and retreat from life. There’s nothing sadder than to see a caged lion who has lost the fire in his eyes. I help men get the fire back. To leave their cages and become the lions they were created to be… Men capable of courageously stepping into the fray to provide, protect, create, love, and leave a legacy.

Mark’s Clients

Over the years I’ve found that many of my clients seem to experience life as either “Rogue Lions” or “Caged Lions.”

My “Rogue Lions” are Fortune 500 executives, Professional Athletes, Olympians, and Celebrities. They already left their cages long ago, but have maybe drifted too far from the pride and are now struggling on the homefront. High stress, numbness, addiction, and marriage conflict are common. I help these men recalibrate their priorities, heal relationships, and do the deeper emotional work necessary to stay healthy and leave a legacy that’s lasting.

My “Caged Lions” are the small business owners, physicians, entrepreneurs, commercial pilots, engineers, architects, and electricians. As earners they’re already in the top 10-15% of men… but they still haven’t achieved financial freedom and feel pulled in too many directions. Often, they value faith, family, and freedom. And yet, they still feel caged, overworked, and underappreciated. I help these men to escape the cage and become the men God created them to be.

The high achieving men that find me often seek me out because I specialize in both EMDR and Christian Counseling. As an EMDR therapist I can be very tactical, functioning like an emotional surgeon. I help men identify the targets that need attention, and then use this research-proven therapy approach to unleash the brain’s natural ability overcome insecurities and emotional barriers. But as a man grounded in faith, the therapy process isn’t robotic… it’s full of heart and authenticity. I take my clients down difficult roads, but I do so with compassion. 

Mark’s Credentials

Benefits of Working with Mark