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Robert Kennedy Galindo
Marriage and Family Therapy Student
University of San Francisco
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Degree completion anticipated Spring 2027
About Me.
I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at the University of San Francisco, where I combine my passion for mental health with my commitment to social justice. Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t belong and was treated by peers and professionals as if something was inherently wrong with me, as if I needed to be "fixed." As an adult, I have come to understand that the issue was never with me but with how society treats individuals who do not conform to its expectations.
This realization was liberating and has inspired me to create spaces where others who have faced similar struggles can find empowerment and freedom. I strive to challenge the systems and narratives that marginalize and stigmatize individuals, using therapy to promote understanding, acceptance, and personal growth. With a background in Psychology and Philosophy from Sonoma State University, I bring a thoughtful and reflective approach to my work, helping to deconstruct harmful narratives and support others in their pursuit of self-acceptance and resilience.
I am passionate about spreading the message that no one is inherently "broken" and about building therapeutic spaces and communities that promote liberation, equity, and belonging for all.
Education
2024-2027
M.A. In Counseling Psychology
University of San Francisco
I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at the University of San Francisco. This program aligns with my strong commitment to social justice, providing the tools and knowledge to address systemic issues and advocate for equity in mental health. I anticipate graduating in 2027, ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
2021-2024
B.A. in Psychology
Sonoma State University
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University, where I received a comprehensive education in human behavior, mental processes, and the factors influencing well-being. The program emphasized research, critical thinking, and practical applications of psychological theory, providing me with valuable knowledge and skills. My studies also encouraged an understanding of multicultural perspectives and the role of social systems in mental health, which informs my current academic and professional pursuits.
2021-2024
B.A In Philosophy
Sonoma State University
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Sonoma State University with a concentration in "The Good Life," which explored ethical frameworks, values, and the pursuit of meaning. This program emphasized critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the examination of complex ideas about morality, justice, and human flourishing. My studies provided me with tools to analyze societal structures, question assumptions, and engage in thoughtful discussions about how to create a more equitable and meaningful world, which continues to inform my perspective as I work toward a career in counseling psychology.
Theoretical Orientation
Feminist/Social Justice
Therapy
Feminist Social Justice Therapy integrates principles of feminism and social justice to explore how systemic oppression and societal power dynamics impact mental health. While the term "feminist" can be a turn-off for some due to misconceptions about its meaning, the principles it represents equity, empowerment, and awareness of systemic influences are highly effective in therapy. As someone who identifies as masculine, I have come to appreciate the feminist perspective for its ability to challenge harmful societal norms that affect people of all genders. This approach empowers individuals to recognize their strengths, examine how intersecting identities (e.g., gender, race, class) influence their experiences, and address structures that contribute to distress. By connecting personal struggles to larger systemic issues, this therapy promotes healing and advocates for social change, recognizing the significant connection between mental health and societal conditions.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative approach that helps individuals examine and transform the stories they tell about their lives. It views problems as separate from the person, encouraging clients to externalize these issues, seeing them as challenges to address rather than inherent flaws. By deconstructing problem-saturated stories, clients can identify how societal, cultural, or personal influences have shaped limiting narratives about themselves. This process allows clients to reauthor their life stories in ways that reflect their strengths, values, and preferred outcomes. Narrative therapy emphasizes empowerment, enabling individuals to reclaim their identities and perspectives while fostering a sense of agency and possibility.
Existential Therapy
Existential Therapy is a philosophical approach that helps individuals explore the fundamental questions of existence, such as freedom, responsibility, meaning, and mortality. It encourages clients to confront how they may be blocking themselves or deceiving themselves by avoiding uncomfortable truths about their lives. This process involves facing existential anxieties, such as the inevitability of death or the responsibility of creating one’s purpose, to build a worthy existence. Clients are guided to reclaim and reown their lives, recognizing their freedom to make choices while taking responsibility for designing their present and future. The therapy also emphasizes acknowledging a client’s preexisting wisdom and helping them become more aware of themselves and their relationships with others. Through this expanded awareness, clients can choose more authentic and fulfilling ways of being.
View of Therapeutic Role
I view the role of the therapist as a collaborative partner and advocate in the client’s journey toward growth and self-discovery. A therapist provides a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, challenge limiting beliefs, and reclaim their personal narratives. The therapeutic role involves guiding clients to become more aware of themselves, their relationships, and the societal factors that influence their lives. By integrating insight, empathy, and culturally sensitive practices, the therapist helps clients uncover their strengths, make meaningful choices, and develop the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges. Ultimately, the therapist’s responsibility is to honor the client’s voice and autonomy while offering a space for transformation and empowerment.
Skills
- Empathy: Understanding and connecting with clients’ experiences without judgment.
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- Boundary Setting: Maintaining a professional, ethical, and safe environment that supports trust and clarity.
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- Cultural Humility: Recognizing and respecting clients' diverse backgrounds and perspectives while continuing to learn.
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- Active Listening: Fully focusing on clients to ensure they feel heard and understood.
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- Adaptability: Adjusting therapeutic approaches to meet each client’s unique needs and circumstances.
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- Collaboration: Working with clients as partners, respecting their expertise in their own lives.
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- Commitment to Growth: Staying engaged in personal and professional development to improve therapeutic practices.
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- Insight Facilitation: Helping clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to foster self-awareness and meaningful change.
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- Patience: Allowing the therapeutic process to unfold at a pace comfortable for the client.
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- Ethical Practice: Upholding professional standards to ensure a safe, supportive, and effective therapy experience.
