After working for several years with children placed in residential care, Robert Gastelum discovered the effectiveness of working within the family to promote effective parenting and problem-solving methods. In 1978, Robert attended the California Family Study Center (now Phillips Graduate Institute), which provided his introduction to the family systems viewpoint. Since graduating in 1980, and attaining his license to practice marriage and family counseling in 1982, Robert has maintained his passion for serving clients seeking to address problems associated with parental conflict, divorce, phase of life changes, and parenting difficulties. Related experiences of emotional distress, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety, also became included within the focus of treatment.

“Since attaining my license as a marriage and family therapist, I have assisted clients in the exploration of how the learned patterns from our families limit our development of effective problem-solving. As a result, we repeat non-productive efforts to address problems within our marriages, with raising our children, and with developing a belief in ourselves. My idea of a successful therapy outcome is a spontaneous and original experience that challenges the status quo and leads to the growth of supportive relationships. Among the goals of treatment are the development of options, the attainment of emotional balance, problem resolution skills, and living in the moment.

As one who comes from a bi-cultural family history, I believe that it is vital to explore the values and prohibitions of family beliefs and practices. Frequently, we live our lives and define our decisions by these values, limiting our exposure to new ideas and original concepts.”