Passionate Person Recovering from Trauma and Abandonment

When I first came to Robyn, I found myself stuck in a very dark and, at times, hopeless place. I had survived a life-time of severe abuse from family and spouses, not even knowing why I had chosen some of these toxic people in my life; nonetheless, desperate for a miracle that would somehow change the entire dynamic of my life and relationships. There was no "miracle treatment", but instead I found an invitation to hard work and introspection that was guided lovingly, yet firmly, by Robyn. We have shared a deep commitment to my mental well-being.

At times it seemed like this process of healing and recognition of deeper issues was the worst possible pain I have ever felt; yet, there was always a gentle guiding hand through the storm. I have been going to therapy for over four years exclusively with Robyn.  While I can't say, "I am cured", I can say that I have become whole enough in my personhood to begin to live my dreams based on the solid knowledge and tools I have learned in therapy. Also, as I face the many difficult issues in life, I am able to manage them with respect toward myself and others, believing in myself enough to act on my dreams with dignity and purpose. Finally, with Robyn, I have discovered my worth--which is by far the most precious outcome of therapy.

Thirty Something Husband
with Marriage Disorder

My wife and I came to Robyn as a last ditch effort to try to salvage our relationship.  Although I can't fully speak for my wife, I was looking for a referee that would help my spouse to realize how many injustices she was committing in our relationship. I knew that I wasn't perfect but I also knew (or at least I thought I knew) my wife's form of communication needed to be altered and someone needed to tell her that I was right and she was wrong.  When we first came to Robyn, we did not find a referee but an intelligent caring counselor.  In some ways I did get what I was looking for, Robyn was able to point out to me the injustices in our relationship.... many more than I would have liked to admit were my own.  

Over the course of a few years, Robyn helped my wife and I through the very difficult process of realizing and owning the hurts we had caused each other.  Robyn helped to create an environment where we were able to re-establish a loving relationship with each other and actually start enjoying each other.  As of today we have not been to counseling for over two years.  We still benefit from and use the communication tools that we learned during our sessions with Robyn.  Our marriage is far from perfect and still requires a lot of work, but it's no longer hopeless or draining.  In short : I would recommend Robyn to any other married couple that feels disconnected from each other, and you will find the commitment to counseling is well worth it.

Fifty-Something Female with Adjustment Disorder

My initial reason for seeking out Robyn's help was the simple fact that I wanted to smash my brother-in-law's face in with a frying pan.  Since I knew I couldn't actually remodel my b-i-l's face with cookware, I knew I had to find someone to help me process some extremely intense emotions.  I was angry, hurt, worried, sad, and confused.  My feelings were overwhelming and that began to take a toll on all areas of my life.  I knew I needed professional help if I was going to be successful at being in control of my emotions while I lived through a painful situation that I couldn't control.  I met with Robyn a few times and each time I felt more comfortable.  I knew I had to trust her with my heart and soul if I wanted to find peace.  And so my journey with Robyn, toward my emotional wellness, began.


Since that time I have walked through other extremely painful and difficult situations and Robyn has been with me every step of the way, sometimes leading, sometimes walking beside me, holding me up, or cheering me on.  I have grown to trust her completely.  I have benefited from Robyn's extensive training and expertise in not only my personal life but in my professional life as well.  She has helped me with everything from adjusting to life with senior citizen parents to negotiating an employment contract.  My initial appointment with Robyn was almost four years ago.  When I think about who I was at that appointment, and the emotional condition I was in at the time, and then consider my current status and emotional health, I am overcome with deep gratitude and joy. It is a tremendous comfort to know that no matter what life brings Robyn is capable and willing to face it with me.

Woman in her 30s

I was traveling alone, on a bus, from one city to another, in a foreign country when it struck: a panic attack. I’d never experienced anything like it before. As a person who is typically not very anxious, the panic attack was a strong indicator of just how bad things were. I’d been unfaithful to my deepest and most sacred commitments. I was not who I said I was. I was filled with internal angst and incongruence. One of my core values- authenticity- was being deeply violated… by me. I am known as genuine, but in that moment I felt completely unseen and unknown- by my partner, my family, my friends and all those who were cheering for me. That day, as I felt like the walls of the bus closing in on me, I swore I’d find help. I knew that if I didn’t find help fast I would completely self destruct. 

Robyn was that help. Robyn helped me understand what drove certain behaviors in my life. I have identified what triggers me (stress and deruss) and how to choose to respond differently. Robyn helped me get clear on who I am (and am not) and who I want to be. She's challenged me to deeply grow in my primary relationships, in my posture and presence as a woman, and in my family and professional contexts. With Robyn’s help I learned that I can not be truly seen and known and loved without fully revealing myself. I have taken huge, radical, painful steps towards being fully, deeply seen and known. My career, my reputation, my family and my home were all on the line. Robyn helped me change my direction in a transformational way. 

Today, over two years later, I feel more seen and known. I have returned to myself- authentic and genuine. I feel more light and free and less angsty and angry. Of course, it’s not all perfect. I still struggle. My past demons still return. But now I have the awareness and tools to respond differently, to choose a different path, to choose light instead of darkness, community instead of isolation, and grace instead of self flagellating guilt. When I look back to that panic attack on that bus, I see someone whose story ended in self destruction, lost potential, and tragedy. However, when I think about my story today, though I still don’t know the end, I know my trajectory is radically different. Today I see someone whose story tells of deep, wretched struggle with the darkest, hardest and most shameful past of the human journey. But my story doesn’t end in struggle and defeat. My story ends in persisting, overcoming, healing and redemption. 

20-Something Couple Trying to Save Marriage