Patricia Robbins, MA
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

License Number: IL180.006081

People seek a therapist for many different situations, needs, and goals. It is a very personal endeavor. I believe the best connection, and therefore the best outcome, occurs when there is a good fit between the client and the therapist.

How does one decide? As with many professional relationships, it is a combination of intuition or feel, a match of one’s needs, and the therapist’s qualifications. Most of us also prefer convenience of location and affordability.

Let me tell you briefly about myself: I enjoy working with people of all ages, gender, and background. I am empathic, energetic, interested, and have a sense of humor. I have an active style of engagement – listening, reflecting, encouraging, exploring, educating, and at times, challenging a thought or view. I believe that it is a privilege to hear others share their lives – their struggles, fears, hopes and dreams.

Loss / Grief:

Loss comes in many forms over our lifetime. Of course, loss of a significant person in our life is the height of pain and change. Yet loss is also experienced in divorce, break-ups, chronic health problems, work shifts, and financial or lifestyle changes. Sometimes, the process of adjusting to our aging brings with it a loss or shift in identity. Moving to a new area is yet another type of loss. During these times it’s key to provide support, acceptance, and reflection as well as hope and encouragement.

Depression / Sadness / Discouragement:

Much is researched and written regarding feelings of hopelessness, self-criticism, lack of energy and the healing role of clinical support. In therapy, my clients have a place to share their thoughts and feelings and, if appropriate, consider options to become “unstuck.” Movement into a new place of well-being is not one-size-fits-all. It requires careful attention to a person’s history, present situation, goals, needs, and expectations from self, life, and others.

Relationship Concerns:

Whether we are looking for a new relationship, having difficulty in a current relationship, or just feeling uneasy with the relationship we have with ourselves – it may be time to share our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs confidentially with an objective party. Some common themes related to these concerns are self-esteem, expectations from life and others, communication, boundaries, mutual respect, and hope.

Personal Growth / Coaching:

As individuals moving through life, we find some things are within our control and some very important areas are not. Life is change, and is often easier with a flexible, creative, compassionate, and optimistic view. In a supportive environment, clients have an opportunity to reflect on their life – their dreams, desires, and talents – and take steps toward their future.