Robert Peterson

Robert Peterson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults overcome life's challenges. Having spent much of his career in international school settings, Robert has deep expertise in helping youth cope with cultural adjustment, displacement, isolation, and stress. Utilizing evidence-based approaches including CBT and solution-focused therapy, Robert develops resilience in clients facing trauma, grief, relationship conflicts, and other crises. He specializes in teaching practical coping skills for stress management, anxiety, depression, anger issues, and personal growth. In addition to counseling individuals, Robert provides parenting support, academic and career coaching, and family therapy. He has worked extensively with LGBTQ+ clients, addictions, trauma and abuse survivors, and those experiencing life transitions. Robert creates a welcoming space for clients of all backgrounds and identities.

My approach

I utilize a range of evidence-based therapies tailored to each client's unique needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and make positive changes. My crisis response skills allow me to assess risks, stabilize clients, and connect them with appropriate support. For clients overcoming specific traumas, I use EMDR to process experiences and relieve symptoms. Solution-focused brief therapy helps clients set achievable goals and build solutions. Across modalities, I prioritize building self-efficacy and coping skills. My eclectic, person-centered approach draws from various techniques to meet clients where they are. I create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, trauma survivors, those managing life transitions, relationship issues, addictions, and other challenges. My blend of hands-on therapies equips clients with tangible skills to manage stressors and thrive.

My focus

I have over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds. Having spent much of my career in international school settings, I am especially skilled at helping youth cope with cultural adjustment, displacement from family, and isolation. I enjoy supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, trauma survivors, those managing life transitions, grief, relationship conflicts, addictions, and other challenges. My warm, non-judgmental approach allows me to quickly build rapport with teenagers struggling with academic, family, or social issues.

My communication style

My warm, casual communication style quickly puts clients at ease. I combine active listening with open-ended questions to gain insight into each client's unique needs and perspectives. Clients appreciate my friendly, judgment-free approach. Sessions often feel more like informative conversations than formal therapy. I interact collaboratively with clients to set goals, brainstorm solutions, and track progress. Clients benefit from my mix of compassionate support and gentle challenges to try new skills. I use a bit of humor and plenty of encouragement to motivate clients towards growth. While professional in demeanor, I aim to make therapy relatable and demystify the process. My interactive, transparent communication promotes trust and engagement. Clients feel comfortable sharing freely and asking questions in my down-to-earth sessions. I provide clients with education, tools, and coping skills in an easy-to-understand, retention-focused manner. My communication style balances expertise with accessibility to empower lasting change.

My journey to mental healthcare

My path as a therapist began over 30 years ago doing community action work in inner city faith communities. I discovered my passion for empowering underserved groups through counseling and support programs. This led me to school social work, helping at-risk youth. Finding this work incredibly rewarding, I expanded my skills internationally. I spent over two decades living in seven different countries, providing counseling and college advising services to youth in international school settings. Abroad, I specialized in helping students cope with cultural transitions and displacement. I aided families through crises and trauma while fostering cross-cultural adjustment and academic success. My trauma and crisis response skills were invaluable in international school environments. I led teams providing grief counseling and post-incident support. After many enriching years overseas, I returned to the US eager to continue supporting youth and families through major life transitions. I now leverage technology to broaden my reach, offering remote video counseling to clients across the country. My diverse experiences spanning cultures allow me to connect with and empower clients from all backgrounds on their healing journey.

My goals for you

Setting clear goals is a critical part of my therapeutic process. In initial sessions, I collaborate with clients to identify and articulate short and long-term goals for therapy. Establishing agreed-upon objectives provides focus and momentum to propel your growth. It also allows us to track progress and celebrate wins along the way. I help break down big-picture goals into manageable steps that build confidence. For example, if reducing anxiety is a broad goal, we might set weekly goals around utilizing specific skills and tools. Goal-setting requires introspection and vision - where are you now and where do you want to be? I work with you to envision your best self and life. With compassionate support, we tackle roadblocks and build the skills and mindset to achieve your aspirations. Whether improving a relationship, managing an illness, or pursuing a dream, concrete goals allow us to chart a course and measure success. They keep sessions productive and you accountable. Most importantly, realizing goals boosts self-efficacy on your unique journey.

My first session with you

The first session is all about building rapport, understanding your story, and co-creating a path forward. I prioritize making you feel welcomed, heard, and understood. We'll have an informal conversation to get to know each other. I'll ask about your background, what brings you in, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I listen closely to learn what makes you feel most fulfilled and where you are facing challenges. Collaboratively, we'll explore your goals and aspirations to get clarity on where you want to be. I'll offer education on how therapy can help as we determine an approach tailored to your needs. While considering any diagnoses or mental health history, I believe your story and goals should shape treatment. My objective is to make you feel comfortable sharing your experiences with me so I can gain a holistic picture. I want you to feel empowered in putting words to your struggles and visions. By the end of the first session, we will have the building blocks of understanding and trust on which to construct a journey of growth and self-discovery. The therapeutic relationship we form is foundational to the change you seek.