What Clients Say
What clients said during my San Diego practice years. I now see adults across California by secure video.
Reviews are from Yelp, in the customers’ own words.
This review is long over-due as my husband and I have been seeing Mark since September 2013. We recently celebrated our 21 first wedding anniversary, a milestone I did not think we would reach 8 months ago, and I felt it imperative to let others know how helpful Mark has been for our marriage and continues to be for our family.
I discovered Mark by chance, here on Yelp, having separated with my husband just days earlier. Mark recognized the urgency of my situation and was able to see me within 24 hours. Mark listened as I told him the crisis my marriage and my family were in and was able to dissect the situation and give me the first piece of advice in order to try to save my marriage.
Since that first meeting, my husband and I have transitioned from seeing Mark separately, to joint sessions and ultimately we reconciled and my husband returned home after less than a month of seeing Mark. Mark was able to listen to both my and my husband’s issues where our marriage was concerned and give us tools for not only discussing those issues but also overcoming them once and for all. We continue to see Mark once a month for “maintenance” (at our request, not his) and I simply cannot thank him enough for all he has done. Having been married for 20 years, my husband and I thought we knew the “secret” to a long marriage, however; seeing Mark opened our eyes and he gave us tools we never knew existed and we are now able to have HAPPY, mutually fulfilling marriage that sets a positive example for our 3 children.
Tiffany B.
Mark is amazing! He has been my therapist for over two years now. Believe me, I have tried several therapists and what sets Mark apart is that he actually listens and treats me like an individual, not just an illness. He truly cares about his patients and has always been there for me. Even when things got really bad, he was just a phone call away. He is always willing to work with my schedule if needed. I am a Christian and Mark even prays for me at the end of every session. I completely trust him and thank God every day for him. When I leave his office, I feel as though a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders and see things in a different perspective and renewed vigor. He has honestly brought me out of horrible despair and helped me find my way back to sanity and even joy.
Carmen B.
I have been under the care of this Marriage & Family Therapist for almost a year. His office is fairly private so the likelihood of you running into your gossipy neighbor in the vicinity of his building is pretty slim! Not that I am ashamed to be in therapy… couldn’t we all use a little guidance now and then?! 🙂
Mark strikes the balance between casual and professional which really serves the patient in that they feel free from judgment within the confines of his office… and he listens, really listens, to his patients. He remains cool and collected, even in the most extreme circumstances (trust me on this one). He is a Christian, but serves all denominations (and without proselytizing on those of us that aren’t so faithful). Mark is incredibly patient and insightful. He is especially disciplined in Anger Management, Substance Abuse and Family Counseling.
If you are in need of some counseling (or your friends keep telling you that you are!) give Mark a call. You’ll be glad you did!
Malia O.
My family and I have been seeing Mark for therapy for over four years. He helped me through my divorce and to heal the scars left by years of being married to a verbally and emotionally abusive spouse. I have an autistic son, and another with some very serious anger issues over the divorce. Mark takes time and works at understanding us. If you really want to get better and have a healthy, happy mind, Mark is the therapist for you. He does not “cure” you, he will give you the tools (and the desire) to heal your mind and guide you in the right directions. Mark is also not about how long he can keep you “on the hook until your insurance runs out”, he really is one of the few that care so much and recognize the need for mental health. When he feels you are ready, he will cut back on your visits (if you want to) and like a father pushing his kid on a bike for the first time, he will push you and run along side you until you realize you don’t need him to hold you up any more.
In hindsight, Mark saved my life and helped me provide a stable and quality life for my children, who are still under 12.
I will always be grateful to Mark for the hours of steadfast support and endless boxes of tissues. When I was first referred to him, I saw him twice a week and I cried so much everyday that I lost almost all my eyelashes! He never placated me, he never pitied me. It was hard work to face my own short falls, but I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my life!
THANK YOU MARK!!! We will never forget you!
Kim P.
I have been searching for “the right counselor” for a couple of years. Lots of trial and error with the insurance approved therapists. I decided that I would check Yelp for a therapist so I could read reviews from other people who had already been to see the person. Marks reviews were great so I called my insurance company to see if he was approved and he was! I called Mark’s office and he got back to me right away and scheduled an appointment. This was several months ago and I have seen him once a week since then. I have a chronic illness and suffer from depression and anxiety. Mark has helped me with pretty much every department in my life from my illness to parenting, to my profession to my general health and wellness. I am a very visual person so I really enjoy when Mark brings out his white board and starts drawing out his explanations. He is also very personable but professional at the same time. I feel like I am sitting down to chat with a friend except this friend I can let it all out too and not worry what they are going to think of me. You can tell that Mark has a passion for his work and he is always learning and trying to better himself and his practice. The office is located on the 2nd floor of a medical/office building right off the 163freeway. There is plenty of free parking. The office is very inviting and comfortable. Mark is also very resourceful as he put me in touch with a great counselor for my daughter who suffers from anxiety and PTSD. It is such a relief that I have finally found someone that I click with that is making a positive difference in my life. I am so thankful! 5 star experience all the way!
Laurie L.
We started seeing Mark when I caught my son shoplifting. We have continued with him over the past four years and Mark has been a tremendous help to us and our son. He is insightful and kind in his questions and feedback. My son has been very comfortable with him and really considers Mark a friend he can talk to. I cannot praise him enough for the guidance he has given me and my family.
Rochelle N.
If they taught a class on Fatherhood 101 Mark Spurlock would be the teacher. When my two teenage sons started deviating from my plan for them (nobody told me this would happen, duh) he was an invaluable source of guidance and sanity. Both sons have had their share of struggles and through Mark’s guidance and counseling they have both managed to get back on track Ever time I’ve met with Mark I have left feeling better about my situation. There may may not be a book available on how to be a good parent but there is Mark Spurlock. My family is blessed to have him as a Therapist.
John B.
It’s important in life to take professional advice, coaching, and mentorship in order to constantly improve and become a better version of ourselves for the people around us. We can’t all know everything, right? Mark is incredibly intelligent and a great coach when it comes to helping you understand the models of communication and how to put those models into action in everyday life. I’ve referred at least 3-4 individuals and couples for his coaching, and will continue to go to him for regular check-ins and check-ups to make sure I stay on track with my communication skills.
Bridget B.
Mark is the second therapist my husband and I saw and our experience with him has been exceedingly more valuable than with the first therapist. Starting with the very first session, my husband and I both walked away saying to each other, “wow! we’ve learned something already!” We’ve had 4-5 sessions since then and will likely continue every other week for a while longer.
The communication tools Mark has developed for his clients are clearly a labor of love. A lot of thought has gone into them and the concepts are super easy to pick up. After just one session, the TDK runway and green light agreements have become part of our vernacular. You’ll just have to go see Mark yourself to learn what those mean. 🙂
Shannon K.
Roxanne S
The most amazing coach for all your relationship needs ! Super friendly , attentive , works works your schedule , and has an amazing way of listening to you and solving your problems !
Thanks for all your help !!!!
Moris A.
We were looking for faith based family counseling in San Diego….. my wife found him and scheduled an appointment. We are so happy to have found Mark. He’s got us to focus on the issues, giving step by step instructions to identify our blind spots. We weren’t necessarily on the verge of divorce…..but definitely needed help in communicating and understanding each other! I couldn’t recommend Mark any more…. We thank God for him!
Eric R.
Yes, he is THAT good. Marriage counseling is not easy. Mark makes it as easy as it can possibly be. He is open, honest, direct, funny, compassionate, supportive and just plain good at what he does. My husband and I needed some help talking about difficult topics. Mark helped us. I can’t say enough good things.
Maureen S.
Mark is a Amazing Therpist. I’m so happy my son has been Blessed. My son is high functioning autism. Mark helped Ralph work through some of his confusion and frustration. It’s been our pleasure to have met him thank you for your work and wisdom in counseling.
Mary Ann G.
Mark is a great therapist. He gave my wife and I great tools to use for our marriage. Never once did he tell us we would be better off apart, which a lot of counselors do now a days. We were able to talk about anything without worrying about being judged or we never felt uncomfortable. I highly recommend Mark if you are in any trouble or just need help being a better spouse.
Jemar Q
Mark taught my husband and I so much in our short time with him. He was welcoming and made both my husband and I feel comfortable and safe talking with him. We walked away with conflict resolution skills we can use in any relationship and a better understanding of ourselves and each other. We have been married 12 years and sometimes marriages just need an outside perspective and some new skills to work through things.
Brittany S.
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