Will Abshier MA, LPC, LPCC

PTSD, complex PTSD, traumatic experiences, and general minority stress are a given for most marginalized folks. I am trained in multiple modalities for addressing this spectrum of experiences including ACT, CBT, ACT and solution-focused therapy. Having these multiple options for treatment allows me to respond to your own unique needs in therapy while providing you with interventions that have been clinical proven to be effective in treatment.

Oh, gender identity. A simple and complex human experience all at once. I'm grateful to have specialized myself in LGBTQ+ and more specifically gender-affirming practice. I received my training and experience in supporting folks through transition at the San Diego LGBT Center and in private practice serving the transgender community in SoCal. Now living and operating in TX I am passionate about fighting for gender minorities and folks who are questioning.

I started my career as a volunteer group facilitator at the Gay and Lesbian Center in Baltimore, MD. The folks I held space with there humbled me with their experiences. As the group grew, so did my commitment to providing the highest quality of care I could, which led me to seeking professional training through a graduate program in mental health counseling. With the start of my professional career in 2018 I have always prioritized serving the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

I've continually sought out specialized trainings for treating trauma as all too often trauma and associated disorders cloud the lives of marginalized folks. Finding the time and place to begin to approach the things that have kept us running is an impossible task that I can help with. I have 6 years experience treating trauma ranging from acute/immediate to complex/unarticulated. Receiving training in multiple treatment approaches means I will meet you exactly where you are at.

My primary training is in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and I have received my 40 hour foundation training certificate. As an independent practitioner I weave DBT and DBT skills into my work with every client. I am also glad to support folks to access comprehensive DBT programs when they need more support than individual therapy alone. DBT is an excellent approach if you have ever felt you wanted more pragmatic feedback and coping skills from your time in therapy.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a 3rd wave therapy that provides both direction and flexibility in treatment. In a nutshell, I use ACT to guide folks toward their authentic values and learn to use those to guide their behavior rather than patterns of avoidance. "Authenticity" is a concept that almost every person will struggle to define for themselves at one point or another. ACT is especially effective for navigating complex life situation where there is no one way forward.