Abigail Elakman, Psy.D.

Welcome — I’m Dr. Elakman. I provide individual, group, and couples therapy to adults over 18. My broad and varied clinical experience has led me to be well-equipped to address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, OCD, insomnia, relationship conflict, stress, and trauma.

Throughout therapy, I hold thoughtful consideration for your unique life experiences and your intersecting identities. My approach is sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and anti-racist. I strive to incorporate ideas about identity development and the influence of political and social forces to bring greater depth and significance to your self-exploration in therapy.

I use an integrative therapeutic approach to help individuals develop insight, increase resilience, and discover meaning and purpose. My work with clients often focuses on relationships – your relationship with others, yourself, and the therapeutic relationship itself. My approach also incorporates skill-building techniques derived from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-based techniques derived from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). 

My approach is rooted in the belief that insight into our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can help us strengthen our sense of self, thereby engaging with the world more genuinely and authentically. I believe that every person has the potential to discover their sense of purpose and that recognizing and embracing it can bring relief from some of our suffering.

I earned a doctorate from Xavier University and completed my internship at the Miami VA. I then pursued a specialized postdoctoral fellowship in LGBTQ+ Interprofessional Care at the Bedford VA near Boston. During this time, my focus was on learning how to provide comprehensive, affirming mental health care to gender-diverse folks and those who identify as LGBTQ+. Through both specialized training and as a Queer-identified therapist, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you are seeking support navigating the healthcare system to obtain gender-affirming care, struggle with guilt and shame, experience painful familial rejection, want to explore your identity in a safe and validating space, or need support navigating intimacy and relationships, I have a tailored skillset to help you build resiliency and better manage discrimination and minority stress.

My ambition is to support you in achieving your therapy goals. If you feel we may be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out.

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor E. Frankl