About Me
I have always been fascinated by peoples' stories and was, from an early age, deemed a "good listener". I followed this interest as an undergraduate at Michigan State University where I majored in Psychology and Sociology. However, it was working at the Crisis Intervention Unit of a community mental health center and talking with people of all ages and backgrounds that helped me realize I wanted to become a mental health professional. I began to realize that my interest in them allowed them to feel safe enough to open up to me and have the experience of being heard. It is often difficult for people to trust that their problems are important enough to share with anyone else. I have discovered that every person has such a unique story and their own path for exploration and healing. I wanted to be able to learn the skills that would allow me to help them on their journey and entered graduate school at the University of California at Los Angeles and received my MSW in 1980.
Since this time, I have worked in a wide variety of settings with adults and adolescents and this experience has formed the foundation of knowledge that I bring to my work with clients. I began my career in mental health clinics, working with individuals and groups and later became a facilitator for support groups and a consultant to a paraprofessional group. In addition, I was a clinical supervisor to doctoral students at the California School of Professional Psychology. For the last 25 years, I have been in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker working with individuals and couples.
I have specialty training in EMDR from the EMDRIA Institute, advanced clinical training from the Center for Healing and Imagery and The Gestalt Therapy Center of Washington DC. I have also completed an externship in Emotion Focused Couple Therapy with Dr. Susan Johnson and am working toward certification in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy. I read extensively in the field, regularly attend conferences and participate in an ongoing consultation group which focuses on imagery and ego state work. I am always grateful that after many years, I still find my chosen field fascinating.
One avenue of understanding that greatly informs my work and my understanding of myself and my clients is the growing body of work around mindfulness. I meditate and use meditation and guided imagery in my practice. I have been excited to see how mindfulness tools have been able to expedite my clients' work and opened up new possibilities in the therapeutic relationship. The research showing the psychological and neurological benefits of mindfulness is extensive and continues to grow. Please refer to the Books page if you wish to learn more about this exciting new frontier of work .
You can call me at 703-951-3634 for a free 15 minute phone consultation or email at robinanderson068@gmail.com