Serving San Clemente, Dana Point & surrounding areas
About Me
Welcome!
Hello, and welcome to my specialized practice, Beach Walk Talk. I'm Dr. Robyn Igelman and I am so glad that we found each other. I am an addiction psychologist and grief therapist who specializes in treating adolescents and adults in all stages of life, with an emphasis on helping those individuals who are highly anxious, grieving a loss, or battling addiction. In addition to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, I utilize holistic therapy practices that include mindfulness, meditation, and somatic therapies (such as energy work and physical movement). Specifically, my method of walking outside while talking is well-suited to enhancing your overall therapy results. I am thrilled you found your way to me today so you can find the peace you have been searching for and get back to feeling like yourself again.
Who I work best with
My clients may not be sure what they need or how to heal but they know they need help. They see the benefit of seeking professional assistance in their quest for recovery from addiction or in healing from a loss or other traumatic life events. My clients are open to working collaboratively with me on a regular basis; they are wiling to try various therapeutic strategies both in and out of session in order to be active participants in their healing process. After only a few sessions, most of my clients find that they are benefitting from therapy and are highly motivated to continue our work together.
My approach to our work together
My approach to therapy is mindfulness based and person-centered. I have a compassionate approach to our work together and believe you already possess everything you need to achieve your goals. As your therapist, my role is to provide you with support, insight, and strategies; I might even challenge you every once in a while. I don't believe that it should take months for you to start feeling better so I use methods that offer benefits within a short amount of time. I use therapeutic strategies like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and solution-focused coaching, as well as healing practices like mindfulness, meditation, and Reiki (a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation). You will be an active participant in your therapy and I will ask you to give me feedback so I know that you are satisfied with our work together.
Why I started Beach Walk Talk
As a resident of Laguna Niguel, CA since 2014, I noticed a growing need for greater choice in how people participate in psychotherapy. Running or walking is a wonderful way to enhance mental and emotional health but is rarely used by psychotherapists. Through my research, I found that others around the world were using mindful walking or running in their therapy practices with fantastic results. I love the combination of light physical activity, mindfulness, and being in nature. Sometimes there can be shame around needing help or seeking therapy. This approach battles that by literally getting you out and into the world!
I am excited to bring my passion for helping people overcome their pain, improve their relationships and achieve their goals, to our beautiful coastal communities. I am thrilled to provide this unique therapy approach to you in what I consider to be the most beautiful place in the world. Thank you for joining me. I look forward to seeing you at the beach!
Biography
Dr. Igelman graduated from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in 2006 with her PhD in Clinical Psychology (child/family emphasis). She completed her postdoctoral studies at the internationally recognized Chadwick Center for Children & Families in San Diego, CA. Dr. Igelman honed her expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, grief/trauma work, and family therapy at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego's Chadwick Center and in the department of Developmental Services. Dr. Igelman was an Adjunct Professor with the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego and taught their annual graduate course on child abuse for licensure in psychology. She has presented at numerous professional conferences and trained regionally and nationally on treatment outcomes research and trauma therapy models.