Robert J. Caffrey, M.A.
674 Prospect Ave., Second Floor
Hartford, CT 06105
(860) 331-0641
Positive, Growth-Oriented Counseling
Professional Qualifications: I graduated in May of 2009 from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. I am also a graduate of a body-centered gestalt therapy training program for professional psychotherapists, in which I studied for seven years. I am presently enrolled in a program to obtain certification in Naikan and Morita therapy, two forms of counseling used in Japan. As part of my Master's degree, I interned for nine months at two residential care facilities, working with clients with challenges relating to substance abuse, as well as mood and personality disorders.
I am currently a license-eligible counselor, and am in the process of completing the remaining requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor under the laws of the State of Connecticut. My supervisor is Elaine Knowlden, LCSW, CT License No. 005385.
Life Experience: Every counselor brings their unique life experience into their work. For many clients, knowing something about a counselor's experience in life gives them a greater sense that the person they will work with understands something about their life and its many challenges.
In my case, I've traveled several business and life paths that have shaped and grounded me. My career as an attorney and a corporate executive over twenty-five years has led me to know and understand the many challenges involved in creating a successful career and personal life.
Having also owned my own business, I've lived through the exhilarating and sometimes daunting task of building both a business, and keeping the dream that serves as the basis of that business alive.
As a 14 year veteran of the Army Reserve, I served as a peacekeeper (Haiti, 1995), peacemaker (Bosnia, 1996) and am a combat veteran (Iraq, 2003-2004). I know only too well the challenges my fellow veterans and their families face in both deploying and then coming home again.
Lastly, twenty-five years as a martial artist has helped me to develop skills in relaxation, focus, emotional balance, and the ability to maintain focus and calm in the face of great adversity and challenge. This is what I strive both to live and to teach.
How I'll Work With You: I'm mindful of my own initial experiences as a counseling client when I work with people. The thought of sharing personal details about my life with a stranger felt very challenging. Given that fact, I wanted my counselor not only to listen to me, but to respect the fact that because this was my journey, we needed to go at my pace.
My style reflects the lessons I've learned from being a client. I'm open and direct, but respectful. My belief is you have come to counseling not because there is something "wrong" with you, but because there is something "right" that is happening.
I believe people come to counseling because they have decided that they want and need to bring about change in their life. Working together, we can help you become clear on what needs to change, what may be interfering with that taking place, and then what needs to happen for you to bring that change about.
Robert J. Caffrey, M.A., Hartford, CT 06105