Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Published Works
Professional Licensure And Certification
Timeline
Generic
Robert Rhoton

Robert Rhoton

Cottonwood

Summary

Dr. Robert Rhoton is the founder of the Arizona Trauma Institute and the president of Trauma Institute International. Dr. Rhoton is a distinguished expert in the field of mental health, with extensive leadership experience. He has overseen a wide range of programs, including outpatient clinics, juvenile justice initiatives, intensive outpatient substance abuse programs for adolescents, day treatment for youth and children, adult offender rehabilitation, and child and family therapeutic services. Dr. Rhoton is a recognized advocate for the NeuroAffective Coherence (NAC) approach to mental health and wellness. Bob was a professor in the Behavioral Sciences and Counseling Department at Ottawa University, where he specialized in training counselors to address traumagenic family dynamics, child and family trauma, and the application of salutogenic practices in treatment. As a Fellow of the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, Dr. Rhoton is a highly sought-after consultant and collaborator, working with organizations across the United States, Canada, South America, the UK, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of trauma and its developmental impacts on individuals and families globally.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

President

Trauma Institute International
01.2017 - Current
  • Create and oversee the marketing of professional certifications.
  • Collaborate with institutions of higher learning to build unique micro-credentials for colleges.
  • Directed strategic initiatives to enhance trauma recovery programs and services.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to develop policies for trauma-informed care.
  • Oversaw training programs for staff on trauma-sensitive approaches and practices.
  • Facilitated workshops to educate communities on trauma awareness and resilience.
  • Advocated for legislative changes to improve mental health support systems.
  • Established partnerships with organizations to expand trauma intervention outreach.
  • Led research initiatives to advance understanding of trauma impacts and treatments.
  • Collaborated with staff members to ensure operational efficiency of the organization.
  • Represented the organization at community events and public forums to promote its mission.
  • Cultivated and maintained positive working relationships with employees, executives and other stakeholders.

Founder

Arizona Trauma Institute
01.2010 - Current
  • Established trauma-informed care practices for diverse client populations.
  • Developed training programs for staff on trauma recovery techniques.
  • Collaborated with community organizations to enhance service delivery.
  • Designed outreach initiatives to raise awareness of trauma-related services.
  • Facilitated workshops for professionals on trauma intervention strategies.
  • Oversaw implementation of client feedback systems to improve services.
  • Recruited, hired and trained staff members to ensure that operational goals were met.

Vice President

International Association of Trauma Professionals
01.2013 - 01.2016

Faculty

Ottawa University
01.1994 - 01.2014

Faculty

Rio Salado College
01.2006 - 01.2013

President

Arizona Trauma Network
01.2010 - 01.2012

Faculty

Chapman
01.2000 - 01.2002

Education

Doctorate - Clinical Psychology

SCUP
Santa Ana, California
01.2002

Master of Counseling -

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
01.1996

Master of Education -

NAU
Flagstaff, Arizona
01.1993

B.A. - Psychology

Ottawa University
Phoenix, Arizona
01.1991

Skills

  • Marketing strategy
  • Policy development
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Staff training
  • Grant writing
  • Community outreach

Published Works

  • Trauma Competency: An Active Ingredients Approach to Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Gentry, J. E., Baranowsky, A. B. and Rhoton, R., Journal of Counseling & Development, 07/17
  • Transformative Care, Rhoton, Aubrey & Gentry, 2017
  • Transformative Care 2nd Edition, Rhoton, Aubrey & Gentry, 2019
  • Trauma-informed Organization: The journey to becoming an Ascending leader, Rhoton & Logan, 2020
  • Trauma Competency in the 21st Century: A Salutogenic active ingredients approach, Rhoton & Gentry, 2021
  • The Science of Trauma and Recovery: Integrating a Salutogenic Approach to Treatment, 2022
  • Resilience and Empowerment After Trauma: Science-based recovery skills, DurableHearts Publishing, 2024
  • Unraveling the shadows: understanding complex trauma, DurableHearts Publishing, 2025 in press
  • The Wellspring Within: Cultivating Resilience and Health with Salutogenesis, DurableHearts Publishing, 2025
  • Hope, Faith, and Dignity: The Essentials for Healing Trauma and Toxic Stress, DurableHearts Publishing, 2025

Professional Licensure And Certification

  • Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona
  • Certified Expert Trauma Professional
  • Diplomate of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
  • Certified Compassion Fatigue Trainer

Timeline

President

Trauma Institute International
01.2017 - Current

Vice President

International Association of Trauma Professionals
01.2013 - 01.2016

Founder

Arizona Trauma Institute
01.2010 - Current

President

Arizona Trauma Network
01.2010 - 01.2012

Faculty

Rio Salado College
01.2006 - 01.2013

Faculty

Chapman
01.2000 - 01.2002

Faculty

Ottawa University
01.1994 - 01.2014

Doctorate - Clinical Psychology

SCUP

Master of Counseling -

ASU

Master of Education -

NAU

B.A. - Psychology

Ottawa University