Robbert Schalekamp

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