Robert GerlPh.D., Licensed Psychologist, LPC, LMSW, LMFT
Availability
In Eastern Time
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I have always been a people person. I have appreciated teachers, counselors, coaches who have guided and helped me. I wanted to emulate these professionals. I have been attracted to analytical work and have found using these skills help me working with individuals, couples, and families
What does a first session with you look like?
My initial session is an opportunity for me to get to know the individual and for the individual to get to know me. I spend time getting to know the individual's family of origin, current struggles and what the individual would like to see improve in life. I am a good listener, I ask clarifying questions, I also am transparent and honest if there is something I do not think I can handle.
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
A particular theme I have noticed is how the covid 19 virus has changed social interactions. Also, how technology and social media interfere with social dynamics, trust, interpersonal relationships. These are very difficult habits to change given the nature of social dynamics today.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Neuropsychological testing
Narcissism entails an excessive interest in and over-inflated image of self. It is characterized by selfishness, sense of entitlement, and need for praise. Oftentimes ingrained in one’s personality (i.e., narcissistic personality disorder), narcissism generally develops as a coping mechanism to protect oneself from various insecurities and past traumas.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by persistent instability in relationships, extreme emotional reactions, and chronic fear of abandonment. People with this may also tend to be moody, experiencing a lot of high highs and low lows.
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Family Therapy
$100
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Children (5-12)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Family Systems Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
The Gottman Method
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Training / Certifications
ABSNP, School Neuropsychology
Board Certified Professional Counselor
EMDR level 1 and level 2, Gottman Trained
special education supervisor and director
Licensure
MI, Psychologist, 6301013084
MI, LPC, 6401000662
MI, LMFT, 4101005461
MI, LMSW, 6801058142
Education
Ph.D. Psychology
D. Min., Pastoral theology, counseling
MA, psychology
Work History
I have worked in the following settings as a Psychologist: 1. Catholic family services Kalamazoo, Michigan 9 years 2. Allegan Areas Educational Services agency, School Psychologist, 12 years 3. Desert Streams Christian Counseling, 12 years 4. Branch County ISD, Special education supervisor, 5 years 5. Life Journey Psychological Services, 1 year 6. Family Therapy and Development Centers, 1 years I have provided individual, couples, family therapy, I have provided psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
Location
Remote Therapy - serving the greater Michigan area, Kalamazoo, 49008, MI