This month, we turn our focus to Robin Raniero, the Managing Editor of EB-CAMFT’s newsletter. She took the position to combine her interest in writing and her desire to make a contribution to her profession. Robin has found her work on the newsletter to be very rewarding, offering her the chance to meet writers and attend conferences as well as network and mentor others. Robin is passionate about her work on the newsletter and the profession of counseling.

Robin originally intended to become a pediatrician, and pursued an undergraduate degree in biochemistry. While working on a research project, she spent a great deal of time interviewing children, loved the interaction and realized that she would not have this opportunity practicing medicine. She changed her focus to psychology, and obtained her master’s in counseling psychology at Boston College in 2000.

While completing her degrees, Robin spent a few summers in California working with the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. She has worked in colleges, middle schools, elementary schools and recovery homes. By carefully choosing different types of internships, Robin has established a wealth of skills: She is well versed in assisting families with autism, attention and anxiety issues, as well as crisis counseling. She became licensed October 2004.

Currently, Robin works with emotionally disturbed youth in the Achieve program in a Campbell High School and with dual diagnosis adults in a mental illness recovery home. She also has a part-time private practice in Los Gatos where she specializes in the psychology of bariatric surgery (also known as weight loss surgery). For more information on Robin’s experience and clinical expertise, visit her website at www.seasidetherapy.com.

Lest we think that Robin is all profession and no play, her website name gives a hint at how she balances her rewarding but demanding practice. On weekends, you might catch her scuba diving or racing sailboats out of San Francisco Bay with her beloved canine pal Casey, a black Labrador retriever.

I asked Robin what her advice would be to new interns. She answered, “Trust your own judgment,” and gave an inspiring example. When the presenting symptoms of a young client did not match the diagnosis that was passed down from previous practitioners, she followed her gut instinct. With the support of her supervisor, she supported the family in questioning the situation and, as a result, a major medical misdiagnosis was discovered. Robin’s ability to hold true to her instincts in the face of competing professional viewpoints secured this child’s future success.

What’s next for Robin? This summer, Robin’s next adventure takes her to Europe, in particular, England. She has made contact with the International Society of Professional Counselors and is considering continuing her work in psychotherapy in England in addition to continuing her research in bariatric surgery and pursuing her interest in cross-cultural psychotherapy. EB-CAMFT thanks Robin for her dedicated service and wishes her the best of luck.