ROBIN BACK THERAPY
Hi! I'm Robin
I’m a Registered Social Worker and Therapist in Toronto. I have a great deal of empathy for people who are struggling with anxiety (in all of its many forms). I, like so many people out there, have struggled with anxiety myself.
I know firsthand how it feels to be so unsure and full of doubt, often expecting the worst and getting caught up in “what if’s?”. Feelings of panic, worry, fear, and dread take over. And then there are the physical sensations - sweaty hands, racing heart, difficulty breathing, tightness or tension in your chest. It’s like a ‘vortex of doom’, quickly spiralling out of control. It can be painful, scary and downright exhausting.
Chances are, you’ve been trying really hard to manage the anxiety and all of the stress that comes along with it. You’ve probably tried all sorts of things to get rid of it, and some of those things might work for a bit, but the anxiety inevitably comes back. It might even be getting worse. And that can feel hopeless.
If you’re feeling stuck, I get it. But please know, there is hope – you aren't doomed to suffer with anxiety forever.
I specialize in working with individuals (age 18 & up) who are struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma and depression. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you’re in the right place:
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Anxiety or panic attacks
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Constant worrying about the future, often jumping to the worst case scenario
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Dwelling on things that have happened in the past
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Angry outbursts
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Overthinking or overanalyzing
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Feeling stuck or confused
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People pleasing
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Procrastinating over a decision or course of action
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Afraid of being judged or negatively evaluated (fear of abandonment and/or rejection)
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Feeling out of control or overwhelmed by intense emotion
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Feeling empty or like something is missing in your life
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Difficulty sleeping
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Withdrawing from social situations
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Feeling irritable or on edge
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Lack of motivation or depressed moods
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Lacking direction or a sense of purpose
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Relationship difficulties, maybe staying in a bad one or letting a good one slip away
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Self-doubt
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Avoiding things because of fear or anxiety
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Using substances to cope
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Difficulty managing physical sensations associated with anxiety
My Approach
Anxiety can show up differently for different people and it can also have different triggers. Some people worry specifically about their health. Others avoid social situations for fear of being judged. Some experience intrusive thoughts and urges to act on those thoughts. And some are afraid of fear itself.
If you relate to the clinical terms, they can include: Health Anxiety, OCD, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, PTSD and Phobias.
Because we're all different, I tailor my approach to you and your specific needs. I’ve been trained in a number of evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and I pull from these approaches in a way that works for you.
My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that you are the expert on yourself - my goal is to meet you where you are at, actively collaborate with you, and empower you to move at a pace that best suits your needs.
I practice from a trauma-informed perspective, which means that I recognize and understand how traumatic experience impacts our mental, behavioural, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
With a little support and guidance, you can reclaim your life and sense of well-being. Imagine what it would be like to:
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Feel calm and secure, even in situations that triggered your anxiety in the past
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Be able to do the things that make your life work without having to force it or put on an act
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Find happiness, ease and joy in your life – with family, friends, work and leisure
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Be more flexible and resilient, and more confident in your ability to handle whatever life throws at you (even after therapy ends)
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Have a sense of purpose and direction
If you're interested in connecting and learning more about how I can help you, I offer free consultations so that we can get to know each other and see if we might be a good fit! I can answer questions you might have about the therapy process to make sure we address any possible concerns.
How I Can Help
I am here to help you overcome your anxiety, take charge of what’s holding you back, and help you to get a handle on life, so you can start living in a way that feels good and meaningful, and also lasts.
Together, we will explore the causes of your anxiety, so that you can better understand where and why it started. With this understanding, we will work on developing the coping skills and strategies that will help you change the behaviours that help anxiety grow and keep you stuck in it.
And while I specialize in treating anxiety in all of its forms, I understand that anxiety can often be accompanied by other mental health issues and concerns – like insomnia, eating disturbances, substance use, depression or mood issues, and relationship issues. Our work will focus on all of the facets of your anxiety. We will take a comprehensive and holistic approach, so that you can truly live your best life possible.
Credentials & Training
I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, and my Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. During my Master's, I specialized in Health and Mental Health, and received clinical training at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), as well as Bridgepoint Active Healthcare.
In addition to my formal education and training, I have received trainings, workshops, and certificates in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.