About Robert Gardner:

Over two decades of working with clients as a therapist

I have had the great privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families since entering the practice of therapy as an intern in 2004 at New Perspectives Center for Counseling. The varied experience of working with a wide range of people and addressing diverse wellness issues that this 8-year service provided laid a solid foundation for my work. With this preparation, I established a private practice in June of 2013.

Specializations that have emerged over 20 years are Couple therapy, Schema therapy for personality issues, DBT for mood regulation, and extensive work with neurodiversity (Autists). Some of my primary teachers and mentors include Rob Fisher, MFT; Dr. John Gottman; Dr. Sue Johnson; Wendy Behary, LCSW; and Dr. Daniel Siegel.

My working philosophy is based on the science and biology of relationships, including attachment research and neuroscience, as well as the literature and experience in health. My experience and training have demonstrated to me that the quality of relationships with self, others, and the environment is essential to the complex living systems that we all are as human beings.  Both as a provider of therapy and a consumer, I feel that the best results come from a combination of empathic relationship and skillfulness. I practice the art of connection in therapy, which is also methodical and provides those I work with the tools to develop their own skills.

Informing influences include an ongoing study of diverse spiritual traditions I have explored since childhood.  Since young adulthood, I have been practicing and receiving training in the responsibility of guidance counseling in the spiritual community. As extensive research demonstrates, individuals who find spiritual experience and practice to be a vital factor in their lives benefit from therapy that incorporates this as a resource in recovery and ongoing wellness.

Additionally, as a graduate of the Hakomi Comprehensive Training program for psychotherapists. My work is greatly enhanced by the non-violent, mindful, somatic, and experiential principles and practices that I find so effective and respectful of those I accompany on their paths.