Abbey Sowatzke

MA, NCC, LPC

Therapist

I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and transitional age youth facing depression, anxiety, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, and those seeking support with parenting efforts. For parenting support, I am Triple P Level 3 and 4 certified and have sought further education with Trust-Based Relational Interventions and Circle of Security trainings to develop a holistic view of the child-caregiver connection. My approach is eclectic and ground in client-centered, systemic, and trauma informed approaches to therapy. I believe the therapy space is the clients to own. It is my job to walk beside them on their journey towards their version of wellness grounded in their values and beliefs. Some modalities I pull from are Existential, Narrative, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and play-based interventions to address client and family wellness. I am currently seeking training and certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy to support my work with those who have experienced trauma. I will work with each individual client and their unique system to achieve their goals, utilize their strengths, and empower them towards the change they desire.

My passion for being a therapist developed early on in my childhood. I was an extremely curious child who always asked “why?”, especially when it came to other people. Growing up as one of ten children allowed me a lot of time to watch others and see what made us all similar yet so unique. My curiosity combined with my capacity for empathy continued to lead me back to how to help people reach the best version of themselves. Being in a family with multiple members facing chronic illnesses, myself included, only propelled this exploration into the workings of the human mind and what “well-being” really looks like. I became a therapist to provide others with a non-judgmental space while they navigate life’s challenges, explore their authentic selves, and identify their version of wellness.

I started my career at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI where I received my Bachelors in Psychology. Afterwards, I worked in a multitude of different settings including residential, inpatient, and intensive outpatient with children, adolescents, and adults as I was finding where my passions lies. I found myself being drawn to help people on a more individualized level. Four years later, I pursued my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in sunny California and lived out a dream of moving to a new state. While a wonderful journey, the midwest continued to be on my mind so I moved back to begin the next phase of my career as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Top Specialties

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Expertise

Anxiety

Adjustment

Coping skills

Depression

Divorce

Family conflict

Self-esteem

Stress Trauma

If someone was to ask you what they should know before going - what would you tell them?

Change is difficult and being vulnerable with a new person is scary, and it can be an extremely rewarding journey. Do not be afraid to ask questions, speak your mind, and embrace the peaks and valleys of the process!

Fun Fact

I am number 7 of 10 siblings
I have lived in multiple states and love to travel!
I have an 11 year old dog named Bella Anne
I love baking, but I am not good at cooking
My favorite snack is cheeze-its and hot sauce (has to be Franks)
I love live music and theater
I am a fan of Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!)

If you were an emoji (or series of emoji's), which one(s)?

🐾🍪🎭🎼🏎