About Me
Hi, I’m Abbey!
I aim to create a space that allows 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 consistently bringing my genuine self, curiosity, kindness, and humor to my work with clients. There are many mysteries in this world, but knowing who your therapist is and what they’re about doesn’t have to be one of them.
I often work well with people who have a history of experiencing trauma and are struggling with unwanted life patterns they can’t seem to break out of, overwhelm and burnout, chronic stress and anxiety that keeps them from living a life they desire, and those struggling just to get through the day. Others come to me 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.
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. I grew up in a home of modest means where needs could not always be met. I learned early on to always work hard, be humble, and to never let your circumstances define you - principles that still guide me today.
I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor degree in Gerontology from James Madison University, where I worked as a marching band instructor and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while attending school full time. Then I went straight on to complete my Masters of Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in adult clinical mental health treatment through Case Western Reserve University. This program required two years of coursework alongside an in person internship, which I completed at an outpatient community mental health agency serving low-income individuals from all different backgrounds and walks of life.
During this time, I also worked full time as a Medical Social Worker advocating for Medicaid clients in long-term care facilities to have the opportunity to be safely discharged home, where they wanted to be. In this role, I also coordinated medical treatment plans and in-home services for these individuals to ensure they had needed supports after leaving the facility setting.
