Meet Abby Janssen, LCSW, CSAC
“You are not a mess. You are a feeling person in a messy world.” -Glennon Doyle
I love what I do.
I wasn’t always a therapist. I went back to get my MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2015 after working in non-profit marketing and senior living administration for over a decade. What I found though, was that I love helping people resolve the things that have hurt them most. In 2018, I was trained in EMDR by The EMDR Institute of Dr. Francine Shapiro. Working with Dr. Wendy Freitag, senior trainer at The EMDR Institute, I became certified and achieved my EMDR Consultant status. I became a Facilitator at The EMDR Institute in 2023, a Facilitator with Trauma Recovery/Humanitarian Assistance Programs in 2024 and now assist in training new EMDR therapists from all over the country. In addition to my clinical work, I have a thriving consultation practice for new and experienced EMDR therapists. I am also proud to sit on the Trauma Recovery/Humanitarian Assistance Programs Board of Directors and volunteer as a conference program reviewer for EMDRIA. I am excited to go on this journey with you and see how we can achieve your goals, together.
My style
I believe EMDR has the power to transform.
When you work with me, you will find I have a style that is direct and open. Your time is valuable and I want to respect that by getting right to the point. I will ask the hard, deep questions but also meet you where you are at with compassion and empathy. I will hold space for you as you work through what you need to and validate the feelings that you might not want to show. All I ask of my clients is that they come in with an open mind and ready to dig deep. There is no “right way” to do EMDR therapy and it is my job to make sure that this modality works with you and your individual needs. I am passionate about EMDR and I believe that when we are finished you will emerge stronger.
My guiding principles
Listen
The number one job of a therapist is to listen.
Trust
The trust between a client and a therapist is sacred.
Respect
Respect the client and the journey they’ve been on.
Safety
Provide a space where the client feels safe to take the therapist along on their journey of healing.
“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.”
― Dr. Francine Shapiro
Training & Education
B.A. from Alverno College
MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the State of WI
EMDR trained through The EMDR Institute of Dr. Francine Shapiro
EMDR Certification through EMDRIA and Wendy J. Freitag, Ph.D.
EMDR Consultant through EMDRIA and Wendy J. Freitag, Ph.D.
EMDR Facilitator with The EMDR Institute of Dr. Francine Shapiro
Facilitator with Trauma Recovery, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs