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Robert Cooley, Ph.D., grew up running rivers in Oregon and hiking in the state's forests and desert country. Rob is a visionary who reached back to his roots and the passions that spring from them: rivers, outdoors, teaching, guiding, family, and helping kids, to create a company that empowers troubled teens to create a strong foundation from which they can create a healthy future. He founded Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions in 1988.
"It is our good fortune to be doing real, meaningful work with humans and the wilderness and our own souls; contributing to the community while rooting ourselves into the earth, keeping watch of the stars, and letting life's currents flow through us," explained Cooley.
Dr. Cooley graduated from Pomona College in Southern California in 1966. He has been working as a psychotherapist since 1975, and completed his doctorate in counseling psychology in 1979. He is licensed as a psychologist by the state of Oregon, and since 1982 has conducted a practice focusing on family therapy and problem adolescents. He manages several contract family therapy and sexual abuse treatment programs for the state of Oregon, in addition to operating a summer river rafting company, mainly for adolescents, since 1976. Dr. Cooley is a member of the Oregon and American Psychological Associations, and the Oregon, Idaho, and national Outfitters Associations.
Rob and his wife, Ingrid, have four children. He has instilled in his children his love for the outdoors and running rivers.
Read an article on Rob Cooley published in Pomona College Magazine.