Hi, I'm Robin. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in the field for close to 10 years serving individuals and families. I specialize in helping people incorporate mindfulness into their treatment to improve overall wellness and mental health. In my free time, I like to go on walks, travel, be lazy with my cats and watch thriller movies and stand-up comedy with my husband.
My approach
I use Mindfulness-based and insight-oriented approaches, such as ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)--which can be very helpful in dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and big life changes. I also like to use some more creative approaches when appropriate, such as teaching clients Reiki to calm their nervous system and engaging in virtual sandtrays to "dig deeper" no pun intended. My style is very client-centered (Rogerian) meaning that I believe that you are the expert in your life and I act as a guide. My approach is also holistic, meaning that I look at all aspects of health (physical, spiritual, financial, social, etc.) to increase overall wellness.
My focus
I work a lot with women but also work with men who are struggling with self-confidence issues, anxiety, or depression. I also specialize in working with neurodivergent clients and helping professionals who may be struggling with feeling overwhelmed or over-stimulated.
My communication style
My style is warm yet dynamic and I find humor to be especially useful in dealing with difficult situations. You will probably find that I laugh a lot (with you) during sessions. I do my best to make sure that clients feel comfortable and I am willing to answer questions they may have about me (whether personal or professional).
My journey to mental healthcare
I’ve known that I wanted to be a therapist since I was in sixth grade. A close family member was struggling with their mental health and I saw how poorly some therapists managed sessions and I wanted to do better. Psychology has always fascinated me, and I love learning more about how people thrive in their environments. I've always had the desire to help others in direct ways and thought that pursuing social work would give me the most well-rounded approach. In college, I did a lot of community outreach work and pursued youth ministry while working on my MSW at Aurora University (Master of Social Work) to become a therapist. I got my start in community mental health, working in post-adoption and focusing on trauma and attachment work. I transitioned to private practice in the last few years and love working with adults struggling with life transitions, self-confidence, depression, and anxiety.
My goals for you
Progress in therapy looks different for everyone; that’s why we work together on what your goals should be and you decide what goal achievement looks like. I may have some suggestions on what I think should be a focus based on the information you give me. Goal setting is definitely a collaborative process and checking in on progress on a regular basis should be expected.
My first session with you
During the first couple of sessions, we focus on getting to know each other better and talking about the process. I’ll ask you some questions to help me understand why you chose to come to therapy and what your needs are. You may be nervous to talk about the issues that brought you in. I get that talking to a stranger can feel uncomfortable, but you get to control the pace at which you share things with me. It takes time to build trust.