About Me
Robin Coull, LCSW, PMH-C
Hello! I am the owner and founder of Willow Oak Therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist (PMH-C) with over 18 years of experience providing therapy to various populations.
my approach
My approach is collaborative, warm, honest, and supportive. I work hard to develop trust and understanding with clients to create a safe space where they feel heard, valued, and empowered.
I am experienced in counseling adults, adolescents, children, and parents on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, life changes, grief and loss, family conflict, relationship concerns, low self-esteem or self-worth, stress, prenatal, postpartum, and fertility struggles, parenting, and trauma.
I use a range of therapy techniques and approaches to best meet the counseling needs of each client. I work closely with clients to determine what style works best for them.
I primarily draw therapy techniques from:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Supportive Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
EDucation
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Emory University 1996
Masters in Social Work - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2002
experience
My clinical experience includes agency and private practice work providing counseling to adults, children, adolescents and their families in New York, the Washington DC area, and North Carolina. Before entering private practice in 2010, I worked at a center for women and families, a sexual assault crisis center, and a family counseling center.
TRAININGS and CERTIFICATIONS
I have specialized training in prenatal and postpartum challenges and have attended training and completed a nationally recognized testing program through Postpartum Support International (PSI) to achieve additional certification as a Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C).
I have completed the full 60 hour training for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories or upsetting life events.
In addition, I have been trained in:
Calming the Brain through Mindfulness
Neuroscience for Clinicians: Brain Change for Anxiety, Trauma, Impulse Control, Depression and Relationships
Integrating Eastern Mindfulness Practices into Trauma Therapy
Psychological Trauma in Adults
Assessing and Treating PTSD
Understanding and Treating Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma
Putting Polyvagal Theory into Practice: Nervous System Based Exercises for Anxiety,
Depression, Trauma
Working with LGBTQ Clients
Domestic and Sexual Violence
Evidence Based Trauma Treatment
Effects of Trauma on Parenting
I continually strive to expand my knowledge base by attending workshops, conferences, and reading books and articles to stay up to date with the latest treatment techniques and recommendations.
more about me
I am a wife and mother who lives in Durham, NC. My interests include drinking coffee, reading, watching fun shows, running, journaling, listening to music, exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I am passionate about my work and about helping our community and our world be a just, safe, and caring place.