DR. ROBERT IRA "BOB" WITCHEL

I just discovered this obituary and I'm just gobsmacked. Blessings to you, Debbie. Bob put me on the road to recovery through some very difficult times in my life and I will forever be grateful to him for that. We maintained sporadic contact over the years and I will miss him.

Joe and I like Many others appreciate our time we had with Bob. It helps us remember that with others in our life. It helps us to appreciate the time we have with the people we care about. Its both a joy and painful to think about Bob. Such a gem; such a loss. Hoping everyone who had Bob in their life is comforted by the memories.

I was just speaking with someone Im supervising the other day about the continued impact your teaching has continued to have in my practice. I think of you from time to time and I miss knowing that you were still here if I had a question or a referral to send or to be able to meet up with you and Debbie. Thank-You Dr. Witchel for everything God taught me through you and for helping me to do the hard work within myself in order to be a better therapist and help others.

I wasn't able to attend any of the get together for Dr. Witchel's passing, but I have prayed for his family and think of him often while counseling in my own practice. He was such a great teacher and I'm thankful for all he taught me. He was a one of a kind guy.

Joe and I talk about Bob often. In fact, yesterday, we were talking about what he used to say to us: Awareness is healing. We appreciate everything he taught us.

I know it's a year later.. But it is sad to see this.. Let's say I have known this man since I was 4yrs old I am 34 he was my counselor for many years of darkness... He was a great man....

Dear Ms. Witchel;
I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Bob as he help me through some troubling times. I often thought of him as a friend during that time and know I would have enjoyed his company as such. My deepest sympathies to you and your family and please take comfort that he was happy and appreciated you in his life. I miss him as I know you must. God Bless

I was shocked and saddened to learn of this news about Bob. He was a helpful counselor to me.

I just learned today about Dr. Witchel passing away and I am so saddened. I saw Dr. Witchel in the beginning of 2013 for help because June of 2012 I lost my husband Harry and on September 18th 2012, my son Jason committed suicide by hanging himself, and I was the one who found my son in my home when I came home from work. I was severely depressed. I needed help because I didn't know what to do and I kept blaming myself for what happened to my son and I called some help line and I was given Dr. Witchel's name and I decided to go see him. I saw him for 2 years and we talked about my son Jason and my husband. He helped me in ways to deal with what happened with my son. My son was only 28 years old. Dr. Witchel also asked me to come to IUP one evening that he was teaching regarding grief to talk about my son Jason and I agreed to go and that was in the year 2014 and I think I helped those people in his class understand what I had gone through and was still going through and will always go through regarding my son.
Dr. Witchel thought it would do me some good to speak in front of these people of which I did. I also had a DVD of Jason with various pictures of Jason and Garth Brooks singing "the dance" in the background and there was another DVD of my son dancing for an Arthur Murray type occasion and various pictures I passed around of my son as well and I remember there was a few people in that room and they had tears in their eyes from listening to me talk about my son and what I was going through, but I also told them that if it wasn't for Dr. Witchel, I don't know what I would have done because he helped me understand what I was going through and not to blame myself for what my son did. He helped me in so many ways. He was such a kind man and I consider him my friend as well. I remember November 2nd, 2013 my cat Sammy got hit in front of my house and the person never stopped even though Sammy had his tags on him and that following Monday on November 4th I had my session with Dr. Witchel and of course all I did was cry for that hour and I remember Dr. Witchel told me that he did not want my copay and that when I left his office, that I was to go directly to the Animal Rescue League in East Liberty and get another cat. He said he did not want me to go home alone. And I found another cat and I named him Adam because my son's middle name was Adam. And I kept in touch with Dr. Witchel if I needed some guidance via texting. I can't tell you how sad I am to find out about him passing away and I know that he is at peace in Heaven and maybe he'll meet my son Jason someday and my husband Harry. But I know of all the psychologists I could have picked I'm glad that I picked him. Oh and each time before my session I would have him play a song from a CD that I would bring in usually had to do with Jason and my feelings (that was our ritual). I don't know what I would have done because he helped me understand what I was going through and not to blame myself for what my son did. Thank you Dr. Witchel for being there when I needed someone to listen and care about me. I will always remember you.

Just found out Dr. Bob Witchel passed away on May 7. Probably one of the biggest influences in my life in so many ways. He taught me to be brave, to speak the truth regardless of the consequences, to dare to be different, to challenge the system, to call clients "friends", to trust my intuition and get to know my own shadow, to listen to dreams and people and perhaps more than anything taught me to do everything with love.

I remember only a few years ago following some horrific fallout when I was left a shadow of my former self struggling to rebuild I asked him what he thought I should do. He simply smiled and said "Just keep doing what you're doing." In his class and in his own life he had taught me we all fall down but we all get second and sometimes third and more chances and choices to rise up and try once again to be the persons we were born to be. To find love and hope and forgiveness once again. Bob made us journal in every class of his and read them but I could trust a simple Post It of "Do No Read"on a particular page and he would passover that one. I grew to love sharing my writing and art and doodles and was amazed that he not only read each word of my rambling but wrote back in the margins and added his own cartoons or more often just a simple "Wow"! that let me know he got it. Since I took so many Witchel classes at IUP I have piles of journals and felt I had a whole separate relationship with Dr. Witchel via our private conversations. I don't know that I can think of anyone else I would share every page of every journal with but Bob. He amazed me at his intuitive "Witch"el like abilty to come up with insights seemingly out of nowhere as well as his ability to roll up my 100 foot long visual autobiography scroll at record speed. (He assured the the latter was easy because it was just like rolling up The Torah.)

Funny I had just mentioned him to someone last week and was thinking of sending him a rather sassy note thinking he had blown me off but forgetting folks wasn't Bob. Now I know he did not forget me nor will i ever forget my friend, my mentor, my journal pen pal. I remember who the first day of class Bob bravely drew his lifeline on the chalkboard and spoke so openly of both the joys and pains of his own life. I still can see the little stars he tearfully sketched around the word "HEAVEN" at the place in his life where a child had drowned. May the same stars of heaven shine brightly on Bob now. Counseling too often has become so cold and clinical and crippled by evidence based insurance control. Somehow Dr. Witchel filled his work with warmth and humanity and love anyway. The best parts of me as a therapist were handme downs from Bob. Shalom.

I'm confident that I would never do justice in expressing the grace and encouragement that Bob had extended to me over the years. I thank God for the influence that He's allowed Bob to have on my life. He had a way, even aside from his profession, of making you feel significant. He was someone that you appreciated spending time with. I know that Bob will be greatly missed by many. I will surely miss him.

My deepest condolences go out to Bob's family and loved ones. I will miss his deep love of life and lighthearted laughter. His light continues to shine on us all.

I was so sad to hear about the passing of your husband , Bob. May you find comfort in the difficult days ahead by remembering all of the memories that the two of you created together. May God bless you

I never got to meet you but you gave me a precious gift over the phone that helped me find my life back. I will forever be grateful to you.

My husband and I just began to see Bob a few weeks ago. We only had two sessions with him. A mere 2 hours out of our lives, however, the impact that Bob had on our lives will never be forgotten. We are deeply saddened by this loss and wish the best for his family and friends. Although we only knew Bob for a very short time, the lessons and impact on our lives will carry us through each day and we consider him an angel that came into our lives for a very brief time. God bless you Bob, you will be sorely missed.

Rip I never got to meet you but I heard the best about you. You left way too soon and will be missed by many.

My heart sank when I heard the news of Bob's unexpected death. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

As a fellow psychologist, he acted over the past two years as a therapist, mentor, supporter, and friend to me. Reflecting on his influence, I cannot say enough about how he helped me along in life and work. He rekindled my sense of hope and value in the field of psychology (especially the Gestalt, Relational, and Humanistic perspectives). And, he helped me embrace the work of therapy not as a head doctor, but as a heart doctor, something he said when we first met.

Bob's well-timed irreverence, humor, warmth, relatability, and sincerity will be sorely missed and hard to replace in a world of over-sized egos. Bob truly cared, and he was willing to be vulnerable enough to share that vulnerability directly and uniquely. This was a rare-find even among therapists, and an invaluable gift that enriched my identity and inspiration in work and life. I will never forget his generosity of spirit, particularly the care he took in my development as a father, husband, and therapist. Most of all, I won't forget his gifts of patience, understanding, warmth, and authenticity. I'm a better person because of the time I spent talking, sharing, and being with Bob. I'll miss you greatly, my friend. Thank you for everything.

Isaiah25: 8 tells us he God will swallow up death forever.

Bob was a man full of wisdom with a ready smile. He helped many, many students and others. He will be missed. All of us were better from knowing Bob. Joe and Carol Utay

Dr. Witchel was more than my IUP professor, he was a beloved mentor who guided me into building my own therapy practice. The years I spent learning from him were simply invaluable. He was such a magnificent mentor, teacher, and friend. When I heard that he had passed away, I broke down in tears knowing that the world had just lost a truly beautiful soul. I will forever remember his words of wisdom, his unending encouragement and his selfless spirit. Dr. Witchel's heart touched so very many people. I am honored and blessed to have known him and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family. Sincerely----Jenna Rowles-Romito

Dr. Witchel was an amazing professor and a pioneer in the mental health therapy profession. He was very instrumental with starting the community counseling program in Monroeville. I had the privilege to have many of my counseling classes taught by him. He always emphasized the here and now which is extremely important. He will be deeply missed .

He was a Dr and friend to me for many years. So sorry for your loss. Sharon Bartlebaugh

My heart is filled with grief to discover the passing of Dr. Witchel. I shall miss him and will always remember the fond times had learning from him. God Bless.

Dr. Bob was one of the greatest men I have ever known. Dr. Bob was one of the most significant professors and mentors that I was ever blessed to know. It seems to be no coincidence that he passed on to heaven at a time when I need to apply his principles and teachings into my own life. Search for fulfilling relationships, make healthy life choices, and to always be resilient. Dr. Bob taught me the importance of expressing my feelings, stating my needs to others, setting boundaries of what I do and don't expect from others, and always allowing for unfinished business with loved ones. His Gestalt Principals of remaining in the here and now, while always expressing myself, to never be afraid of letting others know who I am, and allow others I love to experience life's journey with me because I have an incredible gift - me! I'm forever and eternally grateful for the skills and the personal growth that he gave to me with absolutely no expected return - other than to be the damn best person and professional counselor that I can give to the world. Thank you, Dr. Bob - I'm a better woman to have known you! Thank you for being my change agent. RIP Joy Frank, Community Counseling Summer 2000 graduate.

You were instrumental in my growth and healing as a therapist. I'll never forget you and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family. You will surely be missed, thank-you for everything you contributed to my life. ❤

I did not know Bob well, but I met him very soon after starting work at IUP, so he sort of stuck in my mind as a first impression. What comes to mind is that he had a genuine caring for others and there was a wonderful peace about him. My heart goes out to his family, I'm sure he is greatly missed.