She is an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT 133167), working with our clinical supervisor, Jennifer Gonzalez (LMFT 98444). Abbey is wise beyond her years and brings that to her clinical work, offering a depth of clinical understanding that is so helpful in her work with children, pre-teens, and their parents. She is able to facilitate communication between her clients and their parents, as well as between them in her pre-teen group, in a really effective way.
Who do you Love working with?
It is hard to narrow a certain group down as my favorite to work with and support. I have found that whether a person is in elementary school or leaving college, we are all humans trying our best to navigate new experiences and find our sense of self. I have found joy in both individual work and working with our Preteen Group, as well!
What should potential clients know about you and your style in therapy?
I would love for clients to know that I have tools and knowledge that I use to support a client in exploring the questions or processing experiences they have. Ultimately, every person is the expert of their own experiences, and supporting people in their therapeutic journey is a great privilege.
What is your favorite parenting tip or recommendation?
My favorite parenting tip is not usually my most popular: less is more. I mean that parents are quick to believe that if they don’t offer solutions or instant comfort, their child will experience unreasonable distress. I like to support children in finding their inner strengths by increasing their understanding that they can navigate challenges autonomously. If folks have questions, I am happy to expand!
What advice would you like to have received when you were younger?
I actually received the most valuable advice, but my personal doubts and anxieties distracted me from taking it. The most valuable advice I have been given is that I was enough. We live in a world that is pervasive with comparison and urges to improve or change. I love supporting clients in discovering the areas of growth, of course, but understanding that they have the resources and strengths within to meet their needs.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love reading a good mystery novel paired with bubble tea. And I can always enjoy perusing one of the million dog rescue accounts I follow on social media.
At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients. If you would like to talk with Jennifer Gonzalez, or another Thrive therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at (858) 342-1304.
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