Robert Peterson

Robert Peterson is a licensed independent clinical social worker based in Washington with 30 years of clinical experience. His licensure reflects advanced clinical training and state authorization to provide therapy (WA LICSW LW60174553).

Much of his career has focused on international work with children and adolescents, where cultural displacement, adjustment and shock, separation from family and friends, isolation, and stress are common challenges. The clinical skills he developed in those settings apply to young people facing trauma, divorce, the death of a parent, or other crises that strain typical coping abilities.

He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to help children and adolescents adapt to new situations and expectations. A central aim of his work is to help clients develop resilience - the capacity to adjust to difficult circumstances through cognitive restructuring and practical skill building.

In addition to youth work, Robert addresses a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, anger management, depression, coping with life changes, addictions, LGBT issues, relationship and family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting challenges, self-esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coaching, and ADHD. He is also experienced with academic issues, career planning, college admissions, and social adjustment. His clinical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and crisis planning and management.