Abbie Zuidema (she/her/hers) holds a Masters in Creative Arts Therapy from Pratt Institute and a Bachelors in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design. Additionally, she is a certified Reiki Level II practitioner. Abbie’s extensive background spans 29 years as an artist and over 24 years in the NY restaurant industry, bringing a wealth of life experience to her therapeutic practice.
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As a devoted Creative Arts Therapist, Abbie's mission is to unite art, psychology, and holistic well-being; unlocking individual potential, promoting healing, and facilitating transformation in those seeking personal development and emotional growth. She employs Creative Arts Therapy to aid in personal development and understanding emotions beyond spoken words, believing in individuals' inner drive to grow. Creativity is not limited to creative arts alone — the key element is the process itself, the creative process.

Abbie builds strong connections by focusing on Trauma-Informed Care and active listening. Her therapy is rooted in Humanistic Psychology, valuing everyone's right to a fulfilling life. She integrates various psychological approaches, ranging from Psychodynamic Theory, Somatics, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness Principles, and Mentalization-BasedTherapy (MBT). Understanding each person's healing process is unique, therapy sessions are customized to address individual needs, creating a secure space for diverse healing journeys. 

Abbie's clinical experience involves collaborative work within multidisciplinary teams in acute trauma settings, to a broad range of groups and individuals such as psychiatric patients, children, families, and adults. Her practice warmly welcomes individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including creative thinkers and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

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