Dr. Robi Ludwig Featured Interview
Dr. Robi Ludwig, a New York resident, is a nationally known psychotherapist, author and award winning reporter. She has been appearing on broadcast media since 1997, and is sought after for her psychological insights on a wide range of topics. She is currently a relationship contributor for Investigation Discovery Network’s Scorned, which presents reenactment and analysis of marital homicide stories. She also hosted two seasons of TLC’s reality show, “One Week to Save Your Marriage” as well as GSN’s reality game show, “Without Prejudice?“.
Where did you go to school?
I received my doctorate in psychology (Psy.D) from California Southern University; got my post-masters certificate in advanced clinical work from Hunter College, received my masters degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and got my bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Cedar Crest College.
What motivated you to get into this field?
I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a therapist. I believe it was while I was walking home from elementary school my chosen profession to become a therapist became fully crystallized. I always loved delving into the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics, and analyzing people and situations. Any psychological subject captured my interest and attention. It wasn’t until I became a teen, around the age of 14, that I realized I wanted to include television into this mix. My uncle is a prominent local New York City TV weatherman. He made the TV business look so glamorous and fun. When I first saw Dr. Joyce Brothers on a talk show combine psychology and television, I realized this was something I had to pursue. It was somewhat of an “aha” moment for me. I’m not sure when I knew I wanted to be an author, but this probably happened when I was in high school. It was very clear to me from an early age what my professional path would be. I was fortunate to discover what I felt passionate about when I was very young.
Can you share one of your more memorable experiences during your career or on TV?
The most powerful TV memory I have is definitely when I got my first TV reporting job at WETM, channel 18 in Elmira, New York. It was actually a job interview I almost didn’t go to. I knew that I wasn’t going to take the job I was interviewing for. I was going to interview for a job to be a full time morning anchor. The job would require me to relocate and move upstate, which I was not prepared to do. I took a six hour bus ride all the way up to Elmira from New York City, until I found my way to the studio. The news director at the time, David Schifter, told me in detail about the anchor job. I told him I didn’t think this job was exactly right for me, and then pitched my job idea to him, to be the station’s psychology reporter. He hired me on the spot, and I was on the air that evening analyzing Timothy McVeigh. This news director is one of my dearest friends, to this day. He was the one who gave me my first real start in the TV news business. And the rest, as they say, is history.
How do you find inspiration Dr. Robi Ludwig?
I really find my inspiration everywhere. From life. I’m inspired by my field, my desire to learn and know more, by the patients I work with, and by my friends and family. I love what I do and feel passionate about my work. I suppose it’s this passion which fuels my inspiration.
What are some project/s you’re currently working on?
I’m very excited about finishing my latest book, published by Harper One: Your Best Age is Now: Embrace an Ageless Mindset, Reenergize Your Dreams, and Live a Soul-Satisfying Life, which comes out in April. I compiled all of the latest research, combined with the research from my practice, to dispel some of the unsettling myths currently out there about midlife. I’m also excited to bring my jewelry line, Vise Mari, to Star Shop, a new shopping APP which makes shopping fun and easy, on your phone.
Where is your office in New York?
275 7th Ave
New York, NY 10021
My Yelp
You can read more about Dr. Robi LinkedIn or her official Instagram