Mark Odland - MA, LMFT, MDIV
Online EMDR Therapist and Marriage Counselor for Christian Business Leaders and other hard-working professionals including physicians, elite athletes, and pilots. Research-Proven Approaches to Permanently Heal Trauma, Improve Relationships, and Recover from Addiction.
My Passion for Counseling
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. I received my EMDR training from renowned EMDR pioneer Dr. Roger Solomon, and have since received hundreds of hours of advanced training in EMDR from international experts.
My Team
I know that not everyone fits the description of my ideal client, and I understand that not everyone can afford to invest in my services. For this this reason I’ve been blessed to add two talented providers to my team with rates that might work with your budget... Zack Carter, Marcus Thigpen, and Rachel Odland.
Zack has a Master's degree in Counseling. He specializes in counseling for men, as well as marriage counseling.
Marcus is completing his Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling, and is a former professional football player in the NFL.
Rachel is my wife and business partner. She is a gifted life coach, and often helps the wives and family members of my clients get the support they need as well. She’s passionate about helping women reduce stress, pursue lifestyle changes, and meet their goals.
Check out our main website to read their bios and learn more at: https://escapethecagenow.com/our-team/
My Commitment to Growth
While my focus is on providing therapy, not coaching, I’m familiar with the coaching world and am happy to pass along insights I’ve gained along the way to my clients. Years ago, I accepted the invitation to receive extensive business coaching from the legendary Scott Hallman (coach to Tony Robbins), have consulted about my practice directly with Dr. Jordan Peterson, and at Dave Ramsey’s 2023 EntreLeadership Summit, I received guidance from international speakers like John O’Leary, Ken Coleman, Patrick Lencioni, Dr. John Delony, and Brian Buffini. I’ve been blessed to author over a dozen books, and have made guest appearances on national shows like The Healing Trauma Podcast and The Anxiety Slayer Podcast. When not working, I enjoy surfing, jiu jitsu, weight training, hiking, connecting at church, and enjoying life on the beach with my wife and 4 kids.
My Hobbies
When not working, I enjoy surfing, jiu jitsu, weight training, hiking, connecting at church, and enjoying life on the beach with my wife and 4 kids. As an artist and poet, I’m also energized by time alone to think, reflect, and create.
My Approach to Counseling
Over the years I’ve found that many of my clients seem to experience life as either “Rogue Lions,” “Caged Lions,” or “Wounded 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.
My “Wounded Lions” are physicians, fellow-therapists, and other helping professionals... men who have a heart for helping others, but find that their tanks are running on empty. They’ve experienced vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout, and might have even lost their passion for doing therapy. Deep down, they know it’s finally time to invest in themselves. I help these men reprocess their trauma, remove barriers to healthy grieving, and help them begin to renew their sense of hope and purpose.
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 to 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. I believe God created men to be not only warriors, but lovers. To be logical, but also creative. I am a business owner, an athlete, and a martial artist that appreciates the warrior mindset. But I’m also an artist, poet, musician and family man. I understand the importance of balance…
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.
Values
My worldview has been shaped by my Christian faith, and I cherish the values of faith, family, and freedom. As a former competitive athlete and martial artist, I also value the virtues of discipline, sacrifice, personal responsibility, and elements of Samurai philosophy. For these reasons I often find myself devouring content by podcasters like Jordan Peterson, Jocko Willink, Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, and Lex Fridman. And while I work with men of all backgrounds and cultures, many seek me out because they share a similar worldview or aspire to adopt it.
Education
I earned my B.A. in Art and Religion from Augustana University, my M.DIV. from Luther Seminary, and my M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Board-Approved Supervisor, and an ordained pastor. And through the EMDR International Association I am a Certified EMDR Therapist, Approved Consultant, and Approved Continuing Education Provider. In addition to providing therapy for my clients, I train other EMDR therapists around the world through my consultation, books, and courses. Most recently, I’ve received training in the research-proven Gottman approach to couples therapy.
Location and Licensure
I’ve obtained licensure in multiple states, and provide online sessions to clients residing in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. I also see clients in-person at my office in Duluth, Minnesota.
Therapy Intensives and Personal Wellness Retreats
Some of my clients choose to accomplish 3 months of EMDR therapy or Marriage Counseling in 3 days. It involves 4 hours a day, for 3 consecutive days. Motivated individuals will can do this with me online, or can travel to my office in Duluth, MN. For those looking to make it into a personalized wellness retreat, my wife, Rachel, offers 4 hours of Certified Wellness Coaching.
Availability
At this time I’m still accepting a limited number of new clients. Call or email today if you’re interested in learning more or requesting an appointment. If it’s a good fit, I’d be honored to support you on the journey.
Next Steps
Our team only counsels men that are serious about doing the work. If you believe you’re ready to make the necessary investment of time, energy, and finances, call us at: 213-537-2273 or email us at: contact@escapethecagenow.com and we will get back to you within 1 business day.
Testimonials
Mark is endorsed by over 150+ of his fellow therapists and the following business leaders…
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)
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 Gatzke (MA, LMFT, CEO of Healing Waters Counseling)
An expert who actually cares. I definitely recommend. - Dr. Todd Ferguson (CEO of Prairie Naturopathic Doctors)
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 (founder of Tomoson and SoStocked)
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 Christoph Schmidt (Lead Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church)