Abby Smolinske

Asking for help can feel intimidating, and it takes real courage to take that first step toward healing. Knowing this, I strive to meet you with compassion, curiosity, and genuine acceptance wherever you are in your journey. Therapy is not about perfection or quick fixes, but about creating a safe space to explore what you are carrying and to begin understanding it in a new way.

If clients are open to it, I often incorporate art therapy into our sessions. Art therapy allows for expression and insight beyond words, helping clients access emotions, memories, and sensations that can be difficult to articulate. Through creative exploration, we can uncover deeper layers of experience, strengthen self-awareness, and foster trust in your own inner voice. It can be especially helpful for those who feel disconnected from their emotions, struggle with self-expression, or find traditional talk therapy overwhelming.

I also use Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy and Somatic IFS to help clients heal from within. IFS views the mind as made up of different “parts” that each carry their own thoughts, emotions, and protective roles. For example, a part of you might feel anxious, another might try to keep you busy to avoid pain, and another might carry feelings of shame or sadness. Rather than trying to eliminate these parts, IFS helps you build a compassionate relationship with them, understanding their purpose and helping them release the burdens they carry.

Somatic IFS brings the body into this healing process. Emotions often live in the body as tension, pain, or restlessness. By gently noticing these sensations with curiosity and safety, you can release stored emotions, improve nervous system regulation, and experience deep, embodied healing. This approach is especially helpful for clients working through trauma, anxiety, and depression, as well as those who feel stuck in cycles of self-criticism or emotional overwhelm.

I work with individuals navigating eating disorders, body image concerns, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction recovery, among other challenges. Many of these struggles involve deep inner conflict or disconnection from the self, which IFS and art therapy can help gently repair. Together, we focus on building self-compassion, understanding internal dynamics, and developing tools for emotional regulation and balance.

My approach is person-centered, meaning I honor your unique story, pace, and goals. My goal is to help you address the concerns you notice in the present while also creating space to explore the underlying causes, allowing lasting transformation and self-trust to emerge naturally.