Robin Van Ness, LMHC

About

I am a NYS, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with more than 15 years of experience in counseling and am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I work with a variety of client populations but specialize with BIPOC clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, anger management issues, grief/bereavement, trauma, family conflict and strained relationships with parents.

I particularly enjoy working with middle-aged to older adults, and my approach to care combines strength based therapy, loaded with empathy and support, as well as skill building and solution focused therapy. I am also a skilled Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), helping clients learn to challenge their cognitive distortions and reframe them with a more positively adaptive world view, and worksheets to identify healthier coping skills. Additionally, drawing on Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Client-Centered Therapy, I also engage in exploration of emotions and supportive reflection to help clients who may typically have trouble sharing their emotions, and empower them with skills to unleash their true self. Together, we will follow a path to uncover that you are stronger than you think you are.

With each client, I hope to help them focus on what they can do differently to bring about change, through self-empowerment, collaboration, and support. I am most comfortable in a relaxed non-formal environment and people should know that I come from a place of genuine empathy and that helping others is my lifetime passion.