About me

Hello, my name is Robert Walsh, and am studying at Lehigh University to receive my Master’s in Counseling and Human Services. Before starting my degree program, I had three years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents with specialized behavioral needs. I believe that the biggest lesson I learned from my previous work is that an environment of acceptance, support, and openness is very powerful. To complement my belief in acceptance in therapy, I’ve received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), believing that accepting yourself and giving yourself permission to authentically feel what you feel can have tremendous therapeutic benefits. In addition to ACT, I am interested in applying the principles of Emotion-Focused Therapy to my work with clients. In my view, emotions are our first defenses against the outside world, and can often be confusing and frustrating even without us ever understanding why. Ultimately, I believe EFT and ACT can play a vital role in helping individuals deal with their unpleasant emotions instead of suppressing or avoiding them. 

What to Expect in Counseling
 
My previous education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Beloit College. My history with philosophy has led me to want to explore existential themes in addition to the theories listed above. The big concepts of death, meaninglessness, freedom, and isolation can be hard to comfortably fit into transitional psychotherapy. My goal is to work with you to accept the existential challenges of being human while helping you find your voice to give your life the meaning you want. Our beliefs and ideas are deeply connected to our emotional lives, and further believe EFT and ACT can help provide more clarity to our lives when combined with these existential ideas. 
 
My space is open to anyone, and I am thankful you are considering me. Lastly, I want to add that, by working with me you will be valued for your unique ideas and perspectives. I pride myself on being culturally sensitive, an ally to members of BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+-allied, kink positive, and affirming to those who are neuro-atypical. 
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Robert F. Walsh, Counseling Intern