About

Mark Lepore has earned a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University. He holds an MA from Duquesne University and an MSW from West Virginia University. He also has a Clinical Social Work license, Professional Counselor license, and five education certifications. He has worked as a School Social Worker and is currently the Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program at Clarion University, where his focus is on the professional development of students. He was formerly the Director of the Clarion University’s Counseling Center, where he provided social and emotional and supportive counseling to university students. Dr. Lepore’s areas of specialty include crisis and trauma, grief and loss counseling, and school counseling and consultation . He is a mental health trainer for the American Red Cross and volunteer partner director for the Service to the Armed Forces serving both in the United States and internationally to assist service members and their families with transitions. He was appointed by the governor to the Mine Families First Response and Communication Advisory Committee, to assist miners and family members experiencing crisis. Dr. Lepore also provides consultation to agencies, schools, and corporations when disruptive events occur within those organizations.

Counseling Philosophy: My counseling philosophy is one that considers it essential for counselors to have a deep knowledge, understanding, and practice of counseling theories and techniques combined with empathy and respect for clients. I believe that it is imperative to remain flexible in helping clients, to refrain from being dogmatic in one’s approach, and to value highly the culture, phenomenology, and uniqueness of each individual. I have a positive view of people and believe strongly that people are motivated to become competent and better themselves. Having taught classes in culture and identity for many years, I do subscribe to the belief that multi-cultural counseling should also be a major force or approach in the counseling field, as important as psychodynamic, humanistic, or cognitive/behavioral approaches. I have found the concept of practicing encouragement as being very effective in my counseling approach. Having worked with adults with severe and persistent mental illness, and as a counselor in the school system, encouragement has been a major element in client’s ability to change. My work as a trauma and grief counselor has reinforced my belief that many problems that people face are normal reactions to very difficult circumstances, and that the prognosis for achievement of reconciliation is very good if the client is provided a supportive environment.