Robert Peterson

Robert Peterson, LICSW, brings 30 years of experience as a clinical social worker in Washington. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and parenting strain, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and issues related to intellectual disability. He also supports those navigating adoption and foster care, aging concerns, autism and Asperger syndrome, gender dysphoria, and the aftermath of trauma or disaster.

Robert typically uses straightforward, practical methods in sessions. He helps people build coping skills, manage strong emotions, and break problems into small, doable steps. He draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral work and solution-focused strategies to help people test new ways of thinking and behaving.

Many years of work overseas shaped his way of working. He has helped children and adolescents adjust to cultural change, separation from family, and sudden loss. Those experiences inform how he helps adults and parents manage dislocation, isolation, and life transitions today.

Sessions focus on problem solving, skill building, and strengthening resilience. He encourages clear goals and checks progress along the way. Parents and individuals can expect calm, practical guidance and help developing tools to handle daily stressors.

Robert keeps language simple and direct in conversations. He aims to create a space where people can speak honestly, try out new strategies, and track small wins toward their goals.

How his approaches shape online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects concerns, and helps people find their own solutions; this is useful when adjusting to life changes or relationship issues.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses simple exercises and homework to test new thinking and reduce symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people name and organize emotions and use that understanding to improve connections with others. It can be helpful for intimacy-related challenges and communication problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try approaches, and adjust based on what helps most. That process is collaborative and paced to the client's needs.

Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online work can make therapy easier to fit into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also lets people use sessions when a quieter setting or less screen time is preferred. Discuss session length and rhythm when scheduling to match therapy to everyday life.