About
Hi, I’m Abbey!
I’m the owner of Your Own Path Counseling as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and mental health Therapist who has been providing adult therapy treatment for over 7 years.
In practice, I aim to create a space for people to come as they are and feel seen, accepted, and valued as their authentic selves. I deeply respect clients’ willingness to be curious about themselves and feel honored to work alongside them towards a better understanding of who they are and how they move through the world.
I work most effectively with individuals who appreciate a transparent and relational communication style. I’m passionate about bringing my genuine self, curiosity, kindness, and humor to my work with clients. Consistently showing up as my honest self is foundational to my personal and professional values.
I often work well with people who have a history of experiencing trauma and are struggling with overwhelm and burnout, unwanted life patterns they can’t seem to break out of, chronic stress and anxiety that keeps them from living a life they desire, and those struggling just to get through the day. I also commonly work with those feeling lost and unsure of themselves or where they’re going in life, often with a sense of unworthiness that does not match their accomplishments or life experiences.
You are not alone in your struggles - and things can get better.
In our work, we will honor your story and what you have survived to get where you are.
Professional Values
Integrity
upholding values of honesty, transparency, and consistency with a firm adherence to strong moral and ethical principles
Authenticity
the practice of genuinely showing up as your true self and acting in alignment with your core values and beliefs
Compassion
genuine emotional sensitivity to another person’s suffering, with a strong desire to contribute to the alleviation and prevention of that pain
Consistency
the practice of aligning actions with words, demonstrating reliable, predictable behavior, and maintaining stable attitudes over time
Competence
the commitment to providing high-quality care by engaging in credible and relevant professional training, experience, supervision and continuous learning
Equity
providing fair, respectful, and accessible care that acknowledges systemic-barriers and honors each person’s unique identities, experiences, and needs
A bit more about me and my story..
I was raised with both of my parents and older sister in a small, rural town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Growing up in a home of very modest means, I learned early on to always work hard, be humble, and to never let your circumstances define you.
I graduated with my Bachelors of Social Work and minor degree in Gerontology (individuals ages 55+) from James Madison University, where I attended school full time while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and marching band instructor. I went straight on and completed my Masters of Social Work (MSW) at Case Western Reserve University, with a specialization in adult clinical mental health treatment. There I completed my coursework alongside a two year clinical internship, which I completed in person at a community mental health agency providing individual and group therapy to low-income individuals from all different backgrounds and walks of life.
While in school for my masters degree, I also worked full time as a medical Social Worker. In this role, I assessed long-term care patients for safe medical discharge from hospitals, rehabs and care facilities. I coordinated patient discharges and medical treatment plans for in-home care services to ensure individuals had all needed supports to succeed after leaving the facility setting. This role also involved strong advocacy work for Medicaid clients in long-term care facilities to have the opportunity to safely discharge home, where they wanted to be.
When my husband honorably discharged from military service, we moved to the west coast to be near his family. Once settled, I completed my LCSW license in a rural community mental health agency, working as a mental health therapist and as a Clinical Supervisor. I was a part of an intensive mental health treatment team that specialized in working with highly sensitive individuals with severe trauma symptoms impacting their ability to navigate relationships and secure basic needs. In this position, I often worked with people with intellectual and physical disabilities as well as those actively involved in the legal system.
I then transitioned to an outpatient group therapy practice where my professional growth flourished. Over time, I became passionate about opening my own practice and providing therapy treatment centered around my professional values, ethics and mission.
And with time, support, and a lot of learning, I officially opened Your Own Path Counseling!
