Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbe Newman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University in Chicago. I never knew I wanted to go back to school as I always struggled with it. I started reading books on mental health and absolutely loved it. It was the only thing that really ever made sense to me. I have always been fascinated with people, relationships, and how the mind works. I decided to go back to school after about 4 years off between undergrad and grad school. I worked random jobs, from serving to selling cleaning services to legal assistant work, and never found a place I felt was a good fit. I always wanted to work for myself (be able to make my own schedule) and help other people, but never knew how to make that happen. On a whim, I decided to apply to graduate school. I had quit my job at the law firm and was going to travel around Europe with what savings I had, and I would “just figure it out” (ah to be a young 20-something). I applied to places I might like to live, and to programs which didn’t require I take the GRE (I’ve always been a horrible test-taker!) When I was in Germany, I was invited to do a virtual interview for the program at Roosevelt and found out I was accepted about a month later. I was ecstatic! I am originally from Florida and knew I wanted to move, but if I didn’t have a reason, could I really make sense of a move? With graduate school, I had a reason, and I always wanted to try out big-city life. From there, I moved to Chicago, started school, completed my internship at St. Francis Health in Evanston, IL, and graduated with my Masters. After that, I briefly worked for a non-profit substance abuse facility who provided DUI classes and other substance abuse and domestic violence groups. They closed their doors at the end of 2017 due to losing their grant money. I was offered a job working as an outpatient therapist for Jackson County community mental health, worked there for a while, then worked in 2 other practices over the last years, and recently opened up my own practice in West Lansing. I have always loved this work, but finally, being able to work for myself and my community has been the greatest honor. I live in West Lansing with my 3 dogs and love listening to podcasts audiobooks and planting things.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road; it never is! But I am grateful to be where I am. Some of the places I’ve worked have not been the greatest fits, and it can be difficult to work under other people at times. When working for other practices, they typically pay a percentage of what they charge insurance, and that percentage can vary based on the practice. When you are limited license (which you cannot complete in under 2 years, and you must work under a supervisor, which all positions do not necessarily provide, which means another out-of-pocket expense), you don’t have many options to make money. Some places are salaried, some are percentage split, and you don’t have much say. This can make it difficult to get your career up and running. When they do provide supervision, you might have a total different theoretical orientation than your supervisor, but there is not much to be done about that either. All in all, it worked out. With the help and support of my family and friends, I have made it here, and I couldn’t have done it alone.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Silvana Counseling Services?
I’m a private practice mental health counselor working with adult individuals and couples. I work from an emotionally focused, person-centered, and feminist perspective. I completed my graduate internship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, IL, where I worked with children, families, and adults. I utilize HAES (Health at Every Size) in my practice and believe it is important to question and challenge social norms and structures around gender, body, and other stereotypes. I am passionate about my work with the queer community and others who might not be comfortable in all treatment spaces. I am currently in-network with BCBS and am working on being paneled with BCN and PHP.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Therapist Uncensored with Ann Kelley and Sue Marriott – podcast Navigating Narcissism with Dr. Ramani – podcast
This Jungian Life – podcast
Where Should We Begin? With Ester Perel – podcast
Understanding the Borderline Mother by Lawson- book
Will I Ever be Good Enough Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers by McBride – book
Love’s Executioner by Yalom – book
The Gift of Therapy by Yalom – book
Pricing:
- $150 per session
- Some sliding scale spots available
- In-network with BCBS
Contact Info:
- Website: www.silvanacounseling.com
- Instagram: @therapy_with_abbe
