Meet Sophie: Your Trauma, Attachment & Group Therapist

I'm Sophie Abel, LCSW-S, a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) and perinatal mental health specialist (PMH-C). I've worked in mental health since 2009 and as a therapist for over 15 years. I offer individual therapy and interpersonal process groups in Austin, TX and by telehealth in Texas, Illinois, and Georgia, in English and Spanish.

I believe that existence is deeply meaningful, and I find immense joy in helping people rediscover happiness in their lives and relationships. While practical coping tools are valuable, lasting change often requires understanding how our past shapes our present.

It's remarkable (and sometimes surprising) to see how deeply we're influenced by experiences from our earliest years. As a parent raising young children in Austin, I witness daily how relationships shape our sense of self and our understanding of the world. The way we process emotions and navigate connections with others begins forming long before we can remember.

I've seen how empowering it is when clients view themselves within the context of their whole life story, not just isolated struggles. This broader perspective allows us to address the root causes of challenges rather than just managing symptoms, creating true and lasting healing.

My story:

My work in mental health began in fall 2009 at Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, first as a translator in maternal mental health. For over 15 years as a therapist, the work has filled me with the same excitement and sense of purpose I felt on my very first day.

I've been described since I was young as a searching heart, trying to find meaning in existence, mortality, and community. Through this search, I discovered that across cultures, most people ultimately value relationships where they feel truly seen, heard, and understood. This realization profoundly shaped my desire to help others expand their relational experiences and find deeper meaning in life.

My journey led me to study well-being across different cultures in Peru, Spain, and Mexico during my academic years. This cross-cultural perspective, including working in Spanish, enriched my understanding of the diverse ways people find meaning and healing.

What I've learned is that trauma, whether big "T" or little "t," is key to understanding people and relationships. At its core, trauma often represents feeling unsafe and alone, without secure connections to help you through. The trauma and relational pieces cannot be separated; they're interwoven aspects of our human experience.

After earning my Master of Science in Social Work, I devoted myself to serving underserved communities through work in maternity clinics, schools, and organizations like Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, Con Mi Madre, Any Baby Can, and Seton Shoal Creek Hospital.

Today, in my private practice, I continue my own growth through personal therapy and consultation groups. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW-S), a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), and a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C), offering therapy in English and Spanish. I'm currently completing advanced Modern Analytic group psychotherapy training through the Center for Group Studies in New York. I believe that therapists must do their own inner work to truly support others. My memberships in professional organizations like NASW, Austin Psychoanalytic, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, and the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society keep me connected to the latest developments in the field.

Why Choose Sophie?

Clients often tell me I ask questions that help them see themselves in new ways. You'll find our sessions warm, genuine, and built on curiosity that creates safety even when exploring difficult topics.

My approach combines several powerful methods that offer specific benefits:

• Relational Therapy – Helps you recognize patterns in relationships and create healthier connections with others

• Interpersonal Process Groups – Practice new ways of relating in real time, with others who are doing the same work

• Attachment-Oriented & Psychodynamic Work – Builds security in relationships by understanding how early bonds shape your current interactions

• Mindfulness Practices – Develops your ability to stay present and respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically

• Body-Mind Connection – Recognizes how emotions are stored in the body and uses this awareness for deeper healing

• Trauma Processing (EMDR and DARE, when it's a good fit) – Helps traumatic memories stop controlling your present emotions and behaviors

I'm continuously expanding my toolkit through advanced training in Internal Family Systems, somatic approaches, perinatal mental health, and group therapy.

A Few Fun Facts About Me:

• I'm a proud "Mama" to two wonderful kiddos and one adorable cat (you might see them pop in during our online sessions). My spouse and I call Austin, TX, home.

• I love staying active outdoors, whether it's walking, hiking, gardening, or playing. When I'm not outside, you'll find me with a good book—fiction or self-help—or getting lost in a great TV series.

• I'm known for my funky glasses and dangly earrings, and I have a passion for creativity. Fun fact: I studied vocal performance for about 14 years!

this is a welcoming space for all

My practice is built on creating a safe environment for you regardless of your religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. I'm committed to maintaining an anti-oppressive, anti-colonial, anti-ableist, anti-fat-phobic, and anti-racist space where we can openly discuss how these factors impact your experiences.

I welcome questions about my inclusive approach and how it shapes our work together.