Meet Robyn L. Gobin of Self-Love & Progress Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn L. Gobin.

Robyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A rich set of experiences have been pivotal in my journey to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, most importantly, the early influence of my parents and the Black church. Aware of the unique challenges that I would face as a southern African American female born into the lower-middle class, my mother taught me to view education as the door to limitless possibilities. Although she valued achievement and success, she was also careful to instill in me the virtue of humility and emphasized the benefits gained from embracing the diversity of human experience. My father modeled hard work and perseverance. No matter how small, he approached every task with an attitude of excellence. Their joint influences initiated my drive to succeed academically and to use my knowledge to serve others.

Growing up in the church, I witnessed many members express symptoms of depression and anxiety. Church leaders wanted to help, but they did not have the mental health training to assist. Instead of encouraging members to seek mental health treatment, they encouraged them to “have stronger faith.” This did not sit well with me. Even at an early age, I knew you can’t “pray away” a mental health condition. Witnessing the silence, shame, and lack of mental health knowledge in the Black church inspired me to use my psychological expertise to improve well-being in the Black church.

I began my path to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist at Wesleyan College in Macon, GA where I graduated, summa cum laude, with a major in psychology and double minors in interpersonal communication and women’s studies. I earned my Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Oregon in 2012. During my training, I completed internships and fellowships affiliated with Harvard Medical School, Boston University, the University of California San Diego, and Brown University among others. Today, I am a licensed clinical psychologist, trauma researcher, author, motivational speaker, meditation teacher, and a tenure-track assistant professor of community health in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s department of Kinesiology and Community Health.

I value my work as a psychologist because it provides me with a career that epitomizes scholarship and service. Throughout my career, I have been a leader in reducing barriers to mental health treatment within the Black community and creating an educational pipeline for the next generation of psychologists of color. I take great pride in conducting research that will enhance our understanding of the effects of trauma and elucidate the most effective ways to alleviate suffering among victimized populations. As a psychologist who specializes in trauma recovery, I get the privilege of walking alongside courageous survivors, helping them to heal and build more meaningful and fulfilling lives. My work within the Black Church includes frequently speaking about mental health at church-sponsored events, including being the keynote speaker at women’s retreats. I have also facilitated workshops for couples, sharing my expertise in effective couples’ communication and educating attendees about the benefits of therapy.

In addition to serving in local church communities, I have shared mindfulness and trauma research at the Danville Illinois Correctional Center through the Education Justice Project, a college-in-prison program that provides academic offerings to incarcerated individuals. To reduce mental health stigma and promote self-care, I have developed a self-care podcast, been a featured guest on several wellness television broadcasts, podcasts, and print articles in Essence and Woman’s World magazines, developed a self-help mobile app, and authored a self-help book entitled The Self-Care Prescription: Powerful Solutions to Manage Stress, Reduce Anxiety, and Increase Well-Being. Finally, to create an educational pipeline for the next generation of culturally diverse leaders, I created the Preston and Geneva Porter Scholarship in honor of my maternal grandparents. This scholarship is awarded annually to a member of my childhood church in Georgia who is pursuing an undergraduate degree and who is committed to using their education to make a difference in their community.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest struggle has been reconciling the fact that I do not fit inside of a single box as a psychologist. Many psychologists primarily do practice or research. I enjoy a mixture of those things and more – speaking, leading community workshops, writing, and teaching meditation. It’s been somewhat of a bumpy road to get to a place where I: (a) accept that I am different in the way that I show up as a psychologist and (b) stop expecting other people to understand or validate my journey.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I specialize in helping people heal from trauma, prioritize their mental health, and engage in self-care.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My God. Without Him, I am nothing. All that I am and all that I have is because of His grace, mercy, and favor. My husband who has been my biggest supporter, confidant, source of inspiration, and cheerleader. My fur-baby, Justice, who has filled my life with immense joy and loved me unconditionally. My brother who has inspired me to be myself unapologetically. My mother who instilled in me my love for God and serving others. My father who taught me the importance of doing everything with excellence. My grandparents who nurtured and prayed for me. My family who have supported me every step of the way. My various mentors who have believed in me and challenged me to reach my full potential. My friends who have uplifted me and given me a safe space to be my full self. My clients whose courage and resilience I fiercely respect and admire. The ancestors who survived immeasurable pain, dared to hope for a better future, and made sacrifices for my freedom.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.robyngobin.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @drrobyngobin
• Twitter: @drrobyngobin

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