About Robin

I'm an insightful therapist trainee (Practitioner Clinical Counselor Trainee and Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee) who specializes in making sense of complexity and overwhelming experiences. My approach blends analytical depth with warmth and playfulness, bringing both intellectual curiosity and lightness to our work together. Whatever you bring to therapy—the beautiful and the messy—I'm comfortable witnessing it all with you.

Contact

My Background

My path to therapy began in an unexpected place: the tech world. After building a career in technology and living across six countries, from Turkey to Jordan to Japan, I discovered that my true calling lay in understanding the intricate landscape of human experience. My global background gave me a deep appreciation for the many different ways of being human, and the unique challenges that come with navigating multiple cultures and identities.

What truly shaped my approach to therapy is my decade-long meditation practice, which has given me profound awareness of the many layers of being human. This practice allows me to stay grounded and present with whatever emerges in our sessions, creating a space of complete non-judgment where you can feel genuinely safe and valued.

Areas of Expertise

Relationship Dynamics & Couples Therapy - Navigating the complexities of connection and intimacy, including non-traditional relationship structures

Cross-Cultural Identity & Belonging - Finding yourself when you exist between worlds

Grief & Loss - Honoring what has been lost while finding meaning in transformation

Emotional Intensity & Anger - Learning to work with, rather than against, your full emotional range

Existential Questions - Exploring life's deepest questions and purpose

Psychedelic Integration - Processing and integrating insights from psychedelic experiences into daily life

I believe that pain often stems from resistance to what is, unmet fundamental needs, and past hurts that haven't been properly witnessed. Healing happens when we create a loving, open space where we can take responsibility without shame—where we welcome all parts of our experience, both the light and the shadow.

My primary tool is loving curiosity, both my own and cultivating yours. Much of human suffering comes from trying to meet fundamental needs in ways that no longer serve us. Together, we uncover these patterns, allowing natural change to occur through awareness rather than force.

Integrating Internal Family Systems tools, I help you explore existential themes while collaboratively cultivating curiosity about your inner world.

Therapeutic Approach

What Makes My Practice Unique

Over a decade of meditation practice has given me the ability to stay present with whatever arises, no matter how intense or complex. My complete lack of judgment creates profound safety, and my gift for seeing patterns helps illuminate connections that might otherwise remain hidden.

Having lived across continents and cultures, I understand what it means to feel like you don't quite fit anywhere—or everywhere at once. My playful and analytical curiosity informs how I approach the work of transformation and growth.

Robin Dogrucu is currently a Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee and a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, working under the supervision of Gwen Pelfini, LPCC, CA License #13835.