Robert Trout, MA, has joined the Pacific Quest Clinical Team as a primary therapist and brings over 17 years of experience in therapy, group facilitation, rites of passage, wilderness therapy, and experiential practices. He utilizes narrative and experiential techniques that influence people’s belief systems while working with metaphors to encourage the exploration of the self. Of working at Pacific Quest, Robert says “In addition to the experiential therapies we employ, my favorite part of being at Pacific Quest is the team-based approach. I work collaboratively with a team of skilled clinicians, talented direct care staff and professional referral sources to create unique and individualized strategies for each student. The ability to take a fresh look at each student and their situation is truly invigorating as a therapist! One of my personal goals is to challenge individuals beyond their own limiting beliefs.”
Robert received his Masters in Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He focused on transformational ecopsychology and rites of passage, which is an incredible fit for his work at Pacific Quest. Robert enjoys working with experiential modalities of therapy, including ceremony and psychosomatic activities.
“Robert is a results-driven leader who brings a wealth of industry experience, clinical skills, and pure passion and drive to his work,” says Dr. Lorraine Freedle, Clinical Director. “He is making quite a splash. I could not be happier with his choice to join our team!”
Robert’s unique perspective was shaped largely through his own time in the wilderness, over 1000 days. Robert began to explore the world in a new way, influenced by the many lessons he had learned during his own wilderness experience as a teen. Of this experience, Robert says “The program I attended saved my life, but more importantly pushed me to find purpose and meaning for the rest of my life.” Robert has worked in many outdoor programs since he completed college and has developed into a leader in the field in rites of passage work with youth and adults.
In his free time, Robert likes to backpack, snorkel, scuba dive, swim, fish and generally just play outside. He also loves to garden at home and explore the outdoors with his wife and daughter.