Rob Freund (he/him)

I practice from a relationship and research driven framework; this means that our work is rooted in mutual care and respect, clear goals, and strategies tailored to your needs. I know that this is what a lot of clinicians say, but for me, that means a lot of checking in with each other and collaborating on what we're doing. A lot of my counseling is based in three core perspectives: Adlerian (which is a developmental, strengths-based theory), Existentialism (meaning making and empowerment), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (which incorporates mindfulness and buddhist perspectives into deliberate action). My couples practice is primarily based out of the Gottman Method, which is currently one of the most highly researched and validated approaches to couples relationships; I blend this approach with attachment-oriented couples therapy (basically, working with the way that you find safety and connection in relationships, as it has been shaped by your developmental experiences).

As a part of the Pride community myself, I am vocal about advocating for LGBTQIA+ dignity and rights. I believe that the mental health professions are necessarily social justice professions, and this comes out in my teaching, my research, and the way that I practice. I believe in empowering people to advocate for themselves in the ways that they see best, and practicing culturally-aware allyship. It's my belief that, because queer folk have so often been victimized and villainized, ours is a community often marked by trauma and pain; I also believe that from that hardship, we have become some of the most authentic, empathetic, and resilient people in the world. This is why I'm passionate about working with people from this background. I believe that there is a unique opportunity to optimize the strengths we have all developed in the face of our difficulties, and my personal as well as professional practices reflect this.