Yolanda Robinson, LCSW-C

HEALING WORK

Therapy with me… I work with clients who are struggling with the challenges that are presented from trauma, anxiety, depression, or transitional life changes. My approach to therapy is person-centered and holistic. I collaborate with  clients who are experiencing stress, poor self-care, and identity challenges.  I integrate evidence based cognitive therapies with psychoanalytic approaches to increase understanding of your patterns as well as explore their roots. I use direct communication, humor, and unconditional positive regard to build the relationship that is the core of the therapeutic relationship. 

My impacting identities/roles that inform my work… I am a cisgender, white, woman who maintains a strong awareness of how my privilege impacts how I move through this world. I am a strong advocate with a passion for stamping out the stigma associated with mental health. 

I feel informed and knowledgeable about… LGBTQ+ Community, Military/First Responders, substance use, intergenerational trauma, borderline personality disorder, healing from narcissistic relationships, open/poly relationships, ADHD, sexual assault survivors, and adjusting to life transitions 

I work best with clients who… Are looking for a collaborative partner in their therapeutic journey. I work well with those who have had poor experiences in therapy or are hesitant about their trauma.  

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who… would like specific timelines or a direct roadmap.  

What makes me unique… I am genuine, direct, honest, and have a wicked sense of humor. I am aware that therapy can often be challenging and difficult so I also try to include some aspects of fun. I am also a passionate learner and consistently work to identify new research that may be helpful for you. 

LEARNING AND GROWING

I am constantly learning new things and am dedicating myself to increasing the use of my original research on how to support LGBTQ+ individuals in larger institutions. I am also working on expanding my other research related to supporting direct care providers. Aside from this I am working on my Gottman Certification for couples counseling. I also regularly read research, suggested books, and articles related to the challenges my clients are facing. 

FUN FACTS/RESILIENCE BUILDING

I love traveling, cooking, writing fiction, and spending time with my close set of friends. I am also the parent of a fabulous child and two very active dogs (who occasionally try to pop their head into therapy). 

What resources me to build resilience… I believe in practicing what you preach, areas of care I suggest to you I also regularly put into practice. I take daily walks outside, spend time traveling out of my culture, and believe in true self-care. 

EDUCATION

Masters of Clinical Social Work-New York University

Focused Learning: LGBTQ+ Treatment and Policy, Substance Use; Psychoanalysis

Doctorate of Clinical Social Work and Leadership-University of Tennessee

Focused Learning: TF-CBT; ACT; REBT; DBT; MB-CBT; MI; Review of Psychoanalysis

CERTIFICATIONS

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certified State of Maryland

Licensed Clinical Social Worker North Carolina

Gottman Relational Therapy Level 1 (in progress for full certification)

Harvard Medical School Treating Addictions

Board Approved Supervisor for Maryland Social Workers and Professional Counselors

Treatment Implementation Collaborative Advanced DBT

Behavior Tech DBT for Substance Use Disorders