Dr. Robert Martin , AASW

Dr. Robert Martin is an AASW-accredited social worker with 16 years of professional experience in Australia. He combines academic training with long clinical practice to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief and relationship concerns. He also supports people dealing with addiction, eating and sleeping problems, parenting strain and intimacy-related issues.

Robert uses straightforward, person-centred work. He aims to build a calm space where feelings can be named and thought through without judgement. Sessions focus on what is happening now and on small steps a person can try between meetings.

He draws on a mix of approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioural techniques and emotion-focused methods. This lets him tailor strategies to each person's needs, whether the priority is mood, self-esteem, trauma recovery or behavioural change.

Robert has a background in social work and a PhD in social work that examined complex childhood trauma. He also has experience supporting executives and leaders, after time spent at CEO level in the non-profit sector, so he understands workplace stress and high-responsibility roles.

Sessions are available by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging. People who prefer a practical, down-to-earth style and want clear ideas to try between sessions often find his approach useful. Appointments are arranged after completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling through the Start Therapy pathway.

How evidence-based approaches work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people identify values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It can be useful for anxiety, stress and life changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and provides practical tools to change unhelpful patterns, often helping with mood, sleep and anxiety. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns shape current connections and can support work on intimacy, attachment issues and trauma.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods in session and adjust as needed. Clients and therapist decide together which techniques fit best, and plans are reviewed over time to match changing needs.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video calls let people see non-verbal cues and do deeper emotional work. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a shorter break. Live chat or text messaging can be useful for brief check-ins, coaching-style support or when writing feels easier than talking. These options help people fit therapy into busy lives and keep momentum between sessions.