Abigale Shobe (she/her)

My journey in the mental health field began working with children and their families on the inpatient psychiatric unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital. My experiences there highlighted the reality that to create change in a struggling child’s life, the whole family may need support and empowerment. I was inspired to focus my career on viewing problems from a systemic lens and consider the impact that relationships and environment have on our lives. This brought me to specialize in intimate partnerships and family therapy, which also benefits individual clients due to the systemic mindset I have learned to utilize in therapy. Throughout my trainings and career I have worked with all types of communities including BIPOC, LGBTQIA, neuro-diverse, and diverse cultures and ways of living. Additionally I have worked with many different diagnosis and problems, and have focused on trauma and past experiences as important causes of symptoms and distress.

I actively work against oppression and am always open to learning more about ways I can best acknowledge and repurpose my privilege into uplifting others. I believe that different forms of oppression and injustice cause reactions and symptoms that clients seek support for. I approach each session with curiosity and the mindset of upholding the client as the expert on their life. When working with a child or minor where the caregivers are involved I have often found that some focus on the family system is crucial to create the change desired. Sometimes the problem seems focused on one person, but it’s very difficult for anyone to change if the environment around them stays the same. This is why I ask caregivers to be involved in the therapy process when appropriate, but it is important to me to respect client wishes if they prefer a more individual experience. I also encourage clients to bring in loved ones, friends, or anyone they feel could be beneficial to the process.