Mark Sperber
Clinic Director

Here’s why I became a therapist…

I worked as a “para-planner” to a Certified Financial Planner before returning to graduate school for counseling.

I was reading the book, “Good to Great,” with my boss, who was also a mentor of mine. The book posed the question, “What can you be one of the best in the world?” In my lunchtime meeting with my boss, the words spilled out of me before I realized what I was saying… “I can be a good financial planner, but I think I can be a world-class therapist.”

This bravado is very uncharacteristic of me.

As I reflected, it struck me that I was doing Roth IRA conversions for a client who was relationally and emotionally “poor.” I wanted to do more. I wanted to help individuals live lives of purpose and meaning.

While financial well-being is essential, there is much more to creating a rich life. This experience cemented my decision to help others create lives of purpose, meaning, and engagement.

I’m a student of Jesus of Nazareth, husband, and father.

• Jesus of Nazareth – I have found studying the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth the most life-giving activities I have pursued. In particular, I have been touched by his movement to increase relational connection, the value of reconciliation, and learning to love God and love others. I also love Jesus’ inclusive heart for all people and especially those on the “fringes” of society. I believe Jesus says his love is for all, and I aim to walk this out in my life and practice.
• Truth – Seeking out root causes and seeking to understand the world more accurately has been liberating for me.
• Integrity – I have a high value for trust, and integrity is fundamental to establishing trusting relationships.
• Acceptance – Through my journey, I’m learning willingness to contact this moment as it is (not as I would like it to be).
• Science – isn’t it amazing what we have learned about our world and life through science? I have come to really enjoy learning about neuroscience, which has deepened and broadened my understanding of psychology. I love that science is an attempt to gather and understand data in meaningful ways, and when we have better data, the understanding of science changes. I believe science is best approached with humility, curiosity, and a touch of wonder.
• Mindfulness – Learning to “be here now” has given me a greater connection to myself and life.
• Learning – I love to learn and especially how to apply knowledge to serve others.
• Service – It brings me joy to witness others growing toward a vibrant life, whether through healing pain or making values-based moves to be their “best self.”

Some of my education and experience…

I received my bachelor’s degree from Hastings College (Hastings, NE) and a master’s degree in professional counseling from Sam Houston State University.

I have since done professional training and mentoring in neurofeedback, personality assessment, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), prolonged exposure (PE), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and motivational interviewing (MI).

I have worked in in-patient settings focused on overcoming chemical dependency, clinics that integrated primary care and behavioral health, and private practice.

If you are the academic type, you can check out my CV.

Mark Sperber’s licenses/ board certifications:

• Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor with Texas State Board of Professional Counselors (TX License #65899)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the Texas State Board of Marriage and Family Therapist (TX License #201651).
• Board Certified in Neurofeedback – BCN (Biofeedback Certification International Alliance – BCIA # E6974)

For information on how to verify a license, please go to the following page: https://www.bhec.texas.gov/verify-a-license/index.html. For information on how to file a complaint, please go to the following page: https://www.bhec.texas.gov/discipline-and-complaints/index.html

When I’m not in the office…

I am often chasing my kids or dog, finding time for a date with my wife or a mindfulness sit, rooting for the Denver Broncos, or starting my next book.

I love to travel. I’ve visited all U.S. states (except North Dakota). The mountains and the beach are both special in their own ways.