DR. ROBI LUDWIG

Psychotherapist, Reporter, Author

Robi Ludwig, LCSW, Psy.D., is a nationally known psychotherapist, award-winning reporter, the author of “Your Best Age is Now,” and co-author of “Till Death Do Us Part: Love, Marriage and the Mind of the Killer Spouse.” She earned a Psy.D from California Southern University and holds a post-masters certificate in advanced clinical work from Hunter College, an M.S.W. from the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A. in Mass Communications from Cedar Crest College. Previously, Dr. Ludwig was a relationship contributor for Investigation Discovery Network’s “Scorned,” host of TLC’s “One Week to Save Your Marriage,” and host of GSN’s “Without Prejudice.” She is a regular guest on NBC “News Now,” “News Nation,” “Court TV,” CNN, FOX News, and has appeared regularly on “Today,” “Nightline,” “20/20,” “The View,” “Inside Edition,” “World News Tonight,” and “Nightline.” She is also the creator and host of Talking Live with Dr. Robi Ludwig (on Facebook Watch) and has a podcast by the same name on Apple, Spotify, and wherever podcasts can be found. Dr. Ludwig is on the medical board and is a contributor for Preferred Health Magazine. She also has a private practice in New York City where she lives with her family.

What intrigued you to pursue a career in mental health?

I have always loved psychology and observing the complex interpersonal dynamics amongst people. Seeing the world through a psychological lens is just part of my DNA. I knew as early as second grade that I wanted to be a therapist. So, the goal to pursue a career in mental health was my plan from a very early age, and I’ve never looked back. It’s a career which has brought me great passion and fulfillment. Can you share the most common issues that your clients today struggle with?

If you would have asked me this question 20 years ago I would have said issues with depression. Now, many of my clients are struggling with anxiety. While each patient has their own unique challenges, I would say their interpersonal relationships with family and partners cause them the most distress. Is it hard to separate your work life from your home life, especially since you deal with peoples’ emotional issues on a daily basis?

This is why getting the proper training is so essential. Professional training includes having your own therapy, studying at an accredited university, and receiving supervision, so you can learn how to process patient’s emotional states from an empathic, yet objective perspective. It is from this professional standpoint where therapists can be their most impactful. This doesn’t mean that some patient’s circumstances don’t seep into your non-working consciousness, but the goal is to assess these situations as objectively and intuitively as you can, and to provide the most effective interventions and care. As an entrepreneur, what is one more habit that makes you more productive?

What makes me feel like the most productive entrepreneur is connecting with friends and fellow colleagues. I’m a people person, so connecting with those I care about and am inspired by is essential for my happiness. I also enjoy going to professional conferences to stay up to date on the latest psychological studies and information in my field. What made you decide to write a book on the topic of women and agelessness?

I was turning 50 and started to get concerned, based on an interview I did for a TV show. I feared I was aging out of the competitive job market. This was surprising to me, since I never was self-conscious about my age. This is what prompted my desire to delve into and study the realities of midlife. I looked around at the midlife women around me who looked amazing and were living their best lives. I realized the old midlife narrative didn’t describe what I was seeing. The current, positive research about the midlife phase of life was not being discussed. So, I felt it was important to start a new midlife conversation in my book, “Your Best Age is Now.”

Of all the things you have accomplished, what are you most proud of?

This is such a tough question because I don’t really have an answer for you. Of course there are professional highlights, like when I landed my first TV job in Elmira, New York, hosted my first reality show, “One Week to Save Your Marriage,” and later, “Scorned,” on Discovery ID. Writing my two books and guest-hosting for Larry King were also major highlights in my life. I was also very honored to receive my college’s Hall of Fame award in 2022, accompanied by a photo of me placed prominently on the walls of Blaney Hall. I admit, that was pretty cool. But I tend to be a person who focuses on my next chapter rather than looking back on what I’ve done. I’m always looking to the future and striving to do more. What does the word power mean to you? drrobiludwig.com

I think of power as being comfortable in your own skin, liking and enjoying who you are, and not taking things personally, as much as possible. I also see power as the ability to use your voice, to raise awareness about topics you feel are important, and to make a difference wherever you can.