Online Coaching for Caged Lions

Men on the Verge of Breakthrough

  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy (MN School of Professional Psychology)

  • Master of Divinity (Luther Seminary)

  • B.A. in Art and Religion (Augustana University)

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota, Florida, South Dakota, and Nevada (and soon to be licensed in Texas)

  • Board-Approved Supervisor for LMFT and LPCC

  • EMDR International Association Certified Therapist

  • EMDR International Association Approved Consultant

  • EMDR International Association Approved CE Provider

  • Trauma Recovery Approved Consultant and Facilitator

  • EMDR Institute Approved Consultant and Facilitator

  • Prepare-Enrich Certified

I love working with caged lions… the men who are on the cusp of greatness but still feel caged. They’re on the edge of busting loose, but the grind of life seems to hold them back. Maybe you’re a small business owner, physician, engineer, electrician, or commercial pilot. You’re making good money, but still haven’t found financial freedom… you’re in the top 10-20% of earners nationwide, but you don’t feel like you’re really getting ahead. You’re running the race and keeping the faith, but it’s hard to see the finish line… hard to find that breakthrough you’re destined for.

Many of the successful men I work with feel caged because the grind of life is taking its toll. They feel pressure to simply keep quiet, work hard, pay the bills, and then somehow come home at night full of unending love and energy for their wives and kids. But it’s hard to stay present… hard to give them the attention they deserve. It’s also hard to give them the time they need, let alone find time for friends and hobbies. And then there’s goals and dreams… dreams that keep being pushed to the side for the sake of others. If you find yourself resonating with this, I want to commend you for the love and determination you continue to pour out for others. And yet, I know that this can also be soul crushing… bit by bit, year after year.

Lions who forget they’re lions will stay in their cages even if the door is open. In my years as a therapist, I’ve found that high-achieving men are often overworked and under-appreciated. They are expected to fall on the sword for their families, but they aren’t given the respect their grandfathers received for the same work. I’ve helped hundreds of men achieve personal breakthroughs using a firm, yet encouraging approach. My approach is firm in that I won’t sugarcoat the things that need to change, and will challenge you to take extreme ownership for what you can control. This includes facing hard things. And for many of us as men, the hardest things are connected to the trauma, insecurities, and addictions we keep buried under a mountain of secrecy and shame.

As a world-respected, Certified EMDR therapist and trainer, I know how to help you identify the root causes of these issues and systematically target them. Some say that EMDR is like getting your heart ripped out and then stitched back together. But in the words of Jocko Willink, “good.” Rest assured, it will still be beating when it’s over. With professionalism and respect, I will safely guide you through the process. While you’re in it, it might feel daunting, but I believe you have what it takes. I am firm, but I’m also compassionate. In addition to being a therapist, I’m also a seminary-trained pastor. I know first hand the power of love, forgiveness, and empathy, and the ability of God to heal and transform lives. No, I won’t preach at you. But I’m more than happy to incorporate faith into sessions if that’s something you desire. And as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I also have expertise in relationships. I know that money and success often feel hollow if our relationships aren’t right. With all these things in mind, I’ve helped hundreds of men find breakthroughs in not only their work and finances, but also in their relationships.

If you’re selected to work with me, I will help you stare into the abyss and face what needs to be faced. And what you’ll find is the faint reflection of something staring back at you… the lion you were created to be. There are no guarantees in life. But if you’re willing to invest the time, money, and energy that is necessary, I will help you step into your true identity, leave your cage, and experience the breakthroughs you were destined for.

  • Earn Respect as a Leader in Both Work and Home Life

  • Develop Assertiveness to Speak Up with Confidence

  • Clarify Your Mission and Purpose

  • Break Free from Addictive Behaviors

  • Master the Art of Communication

  • Nurture and Pursue Your Passions

  • Create and Leave a Lasting Legacy

  • Enhanced Discipline to Achieve Breakthroughs

  • Heightened Motivation to Compete and Succeed

  • Greater Courage to Tackle New Challenges

  • Expanded Capacity to Get More Done

  • Boosted Confidence to Earn Greater Respect

  • Increased Creativity to Innovate and Solve Problems

  • Strengthened Connection with Faith, Family, and Friends

What Men Are Saying

Mark Odland is a fabulous leader who believes in running a purpose driven, values based organization that is focused on the well-being and greater good of their clients.

Mark Deterding, Triune Leadership Services

An expert who actually cares. I definitely recommend.

Dr. Todd Ferguson, Prairie Naturopathic Doctors

Mark has taught me so much about EMDR and he is definitely an EMDR expert. His approach is very compassionate and straightforward so I was able to process my anxiety around using EMDR and be confident with my clinical skills. I’d recommend him as a therapist and supervisor to anyone!



Hong Jeong - LCSW, Jeong Therapy

Their clients’ faith and spirituality is fully explored and considered as an integral piece of their mental health and functioning. I recommend Mark…without reservation.

Pastor Cristoph Schmidt, Grace Lutheran Church

Mark is one of the most talented humans I know… After four hours of sharing my life stories with Mark, he was able to see how everything connected and helped me craft my life’s mission statement: “Freeing others to fiercely pursue their purpose”.



John Koch, Tomoson / SoStocked

Mark is an extremely talented, enjoyable person and a gifted therapist, and I would not hesitate to refer my closest family and friends to him.

Adam Gatzge - MA, LMFT, Healing Waters Counseling

Mark is a wonderful therapist leading a great team of dedicated therapists.

Bryn Knatterud, Acts Media

Next Steps

Mark Odland and his team of elite coaches only work with men who are fully committed to the process. If you’re ready to invest your time, energy, and resources, click the “Contact Us” button to take the next step. We will call you within one business day to discuss your needs and guide you on the next steps. For immediate contact, call us at 213-537-2273 or email us at contact@escapethecagenow.com.