Robin Rutan , LPCC

Robin Rutan, LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), brings 20 years of clinical experience to her work with individuals and families. She focuses on practical, trauma-informed care and often combines structured techniques with creative interventions to support change.

She currently provides mental health and substance abuse counseling in an area school district, working with at-risk middle and high school students. That role complements earlier work in higher-acuity settings and offers a rewarding opportunity to support young people before challenges escalate.

Previously, she worked in a residential treatment program offering intensive clinical services to teenagers with co-occurring disorders and complex trauma. Those adolescents presented with a range of symptoms and behaviors including suicidal behavior, self-harm, promiscuity, substance use, eating issues, relationship instability, emotional dysregulation, and conduct reactivity. She also facilitated family therapy and provided supportive counseling to parents struggling with their children’s mental health or disruptive behaviors. Her background also includes positions in psychiatric and substance abuse treatment facilities, private practice, and public program administration.

Robin earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Master of Education in Clinical Counseling from The University of Dayton. She draws on a variety of clinical methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Integrated Family and Systems Theory (IFAST). She frequently incorporates art, writing, journaling, music, and other homework to reinforce progress. Emphasizing client strengths and a collaborative pace, she works to build rapport quickly, listen with respect, validate feelings, and help interrupt problematic patterns so clients can move toward their goals.

Therapeutic Approaches for Effective Online Care

Robin Rutan uses evidence-informed strategies to help clients address symptoms and build skills. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a collaborative relationship where the client’s goals and strengths guide the process - this approach is useful for improving self-esteem, navigating life changes, and rebuilding trust in relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviors by teaching practical skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it helpful for intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship difficulties.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Robin works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. This shared decision-making helps ensure therapy feels personally relevant and sustainable.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to participate, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to attend sessions around school, work, or caregiving responsibilities and allow clients to use the communication style that fits them best. For many people, remote sessions increase accessibility and consistency while maintaining a focus on meaningful, goal-oriented change.