ROBERT WILLOUGHBY

Robert Willoughby’s, PsyD., career path has had a few twists and turns leading him to being C&A’s Care Pathway Program Manager.

Willoughby initially entered college at the University of Akron to study culinary arts and psychology. From there, he transferred to the former Ashford University, which is now the University of Arizona Global Campus, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Michigan School of Professional Psychology.

In addition to psychology, Willoughby holds technical certificates in medical assisting, EMT-B and EMT-Paramedic and completed criticalcare paramedic coursework (he no longer maintains the license).

To earn his doctoral degree, his dissertation was: A Heuristic Investigation of Private Ambulance Paramedics and EMTs. This paper provided a look into the lives and experiences of this population including traumatic exposure, job stressors, and emotional responses and coping skills. This unfortunately involved such aspects and extremes of PTSD and Suicide.

This somewhat unusual career path eventually led him to be C&A’s Care Pathways Program Manager.

“My schooling and work have led me on this path in which I landed here working with children,” wrote Willoughby. “My work and education have highlighted for me the importance of such severe emotional distress encompassing suicide, self-harm and extreme emotions. I unfortunately have known too many people who have chosen suicide and would like to do what I can to help prevent and treat that for others. The main goal is to help one understand suffering in the self and the world, and how to manage it. This gives me an opportunity to integrate my personal experience, learning, empathic and compassionate drives, and philosophy with existing and newly developed research to help us move forward and create a program that is helpful to our clients. “

In his spare time, he attends events as an ally to the LGBTQ community, Juneteenth and supports local cultural organizations. Willoughby also maintains two pages on Facebook providing information and a platform for peer support regarding PTSD and EMS and dealing with stressors of the work.

Fun facts about Robert:

Favorite ice cream: Mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone

Favorite children’s books: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, an excellent story of growth, adventure, engagement, presence, and the amazing inquisitive mind of children!

Hobbies: Gaming, cooking, hiking, zoos