Services

Individual Counseling

Abby offers psychotherapy in San Diego (and virtually throughout California) for wide range of issues. Among them:

  • Addiction
  • Adjustment
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Anger management
  • Grief/loss
  • Communication problems
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
  • Perinatal loss and fertility concerns
  • Trauma/abuse
  • Gender and LGBTQIA+ affirming support

Clinical Supervision

Since 2008, Abby has enjoyed supervising newer therapists, including pre-license Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and graduate students of Masters of Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy programs. Abby is trained by and approved by the University of Southern California, San Diego State University, Cal State San Marcos and the University of San Diego as a clinical supervisor. She is qualified by the BBS to supervise the hours of ASW’s, APCC’s and AMFT’s.

Counseling for Specific Populations

Although Abby has experience working with people from all walks of life, she specializes in providing therapy for the following:

Specialties

Over the years Abby has helped people with just about everything.  A few of her specialties include:

Addiction

Are you thinking about breaking out of the cycle of addiction but not sure? We believe in helping you build up other, healthier coping skills to manage anxiety, depression and stress. Many clients then feel empowered to cut back or stop unhealthy habits. Therapy should be respectful and collaborative and we will help you increase your motivation for YOUR goals, as you define them.

Anxiety and Depression

Abby has helped people from all walks of life learn to manage and overcome the limitations and suffering caused by anxiety, depression, and many other forms of mental distress. She prefers to focus on the person and their life versus a diagnosis. We will look at what is working in your life and what may no longer be serving you. Together we will find solutions for you to live more of the life you want. Initial sessions will focus on finding some immediate relief from symptoms. We want you to feel better as quickly as possible! If you choose to stay longer, we can work on underlying issues to find longer lasting resolution.

College Students and Graduate Students

Abby specializes in the mental health and wellness of college students, community college students and graduate students. When not in private practice, she is a therapist and supervisor in a college mental health counseling center. The stressors on students and adult learners are unique, and therapy can help students feel less overwhelmed and better able to be successful in school.

Helping Professionals

Therapists, social workers, drug/alcohol counselors and nurses all need help, too! Abby frequently provide therapy to other mental health professionals, as well as teachers, birth workers, coaches, parents and other people who have dedicated themselves to helping others. We shift the balance back towards a healthy level of self-care so that you can continue to help and support others, and prioritize your own health and well-being. If you are flying on a plane with an individual needing assistance, the flight attendant will tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first.

Perinatal Mental Health

Abby specializes in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including the anxiety and emotional challenges of pregnancy and new parenthood, infertility, and pregnancy loss. She integrates her professional expertise with her passion for empowering new and expecting parents to survive –and enjoy– this transition. She is certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International.

Becoming a parent is a time of adjustment, not just for moms and birthers but for dads and partners, too. Partners need support, too.

Parenting

Many otherwise healthy, competent, adults find that the role of being a parent is harder than they imagined. Newborn children require all of our focus just to survive. Many parents find it harder to shift the focus back onto themselves. If you are flying on a plane with an individual needing assistance, the flight attendant will tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first! We can work on “mothering the mother” and make sure all of you and your family’s needs are being met.

Other Topics?

Abby has had the opportunity to gain experience and specialized training in many other areas. Please consult to see if she can meet your needs. If not she is are happy to make referrals.