Hi there, I'm Robbert!

I work with adults using psychodynamic and family systems theories. My specialization is gay and bisexual men, helping them navigate life's complexities with understanding and insight.

My focus

Many of my clients are people who want to make sense of their life and its transitions: where they come from, where they are, and where they are going. They may have specific issues, or they may need to sort things out and find a renewed sense of purpose. Their history might include trauma, various losses, depression, and anxiety.

My approach

I help clients explore life patterns, which ones they can change, and which they might need to accept. I use my background to understand their experiences and choices. I draw mainly on psychodynamic and family systems, with techniques from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapy.

My communication style

I listen carefully to what my clients are saying as well as communicating nonverbally. I validate their experience, ask questions, and give feedback. Many of my clients have told me that they experience me as nonjudgmental, which makes it safe for them to share their thoughts and feelings.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have been exposed to a wide range of experiences, including complicated family dynamics, being gay, being bicultural, immigration issues, and a midlife career change. Thanks to empathy and curiosity, I have been able to navigate these experiences and incorporate them in my work. I thrive on seeing clients improve their lives.

My goals for you

During the intake, I ask clients to imagine what they want their life to look like and how therapy can help with that. Together we identify possible milestones. Once clients become more aware of their underlying issues, their ideas about what they want to get out of therapy might change.

Our first session

I prefer open-ended questions about what brings my clients in. Often, the response is elaborate and contains the answers to many of the specific things I need to know. Usually, I follow up with specific questions to complete the intake.

I identify as...

Male
Caucasian or White

Expertise

Specialties

+ 12 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)

+ 2 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

Gay

HIV/AIDS

LGBTQIA+

Little Person

+ 6 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Carelon Behavioral Health
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 55 more

Languages spoken

English, Dutch

Education

Doctor of Psychology (PSYD) from California Graduate Institue and a Masters of Arts (MA) from Antioch University Los Angeles.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions

4910 Van Nuys Blvd suite 111, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

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Robbert Schalekamp