Licensed to practice in Arizona and accepts 18 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions and 7 more.
Rina Abrams-Dunn
New to Grow
My name is Rina and I have been a practicing social worker for nearly 25 years. I have been independently licensed since 2012, and over time I have made good connections in populations such as youth/ adolescents and adults (individuals, couples and seniors). I have worked with homeless and high risk youth, foster children and the families that care for them, with the LGBTQ community as an advocate and an ally and most recently in service to active duty men and women in the USAF . I believe everyone deserves to live a life of meaning and contentment, and that this looks different for different people! We can all use a little assistance in navigating the different curve balls and set backs that inevitably arise along the way. I know connection, trust and respect are important elements of all relationships, including the relationship between therapist and client. I work first to establish connection and then develop mutual trust and respect with you as we move through your wellness journey, together.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session should genuinely be about getting to know you and for you to ask questions of me, if you choose! I will likely ask several questions about what brings you into therapy at this time, what your goals are and if you've done therapy before, what was helpful and also what you didn't care for.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am a mother (two teenaged daughters) who lives that co-parenting life. I am recently making the move into private practice and becoming a small business owner and have lived just enough years so far to have a good amount of personal (direct and indirect) experience with many of the difficulties and life experiences I work to help others navigate in therapy. I don't know that this makes me a better therapist, per se, but it certainly does keep me humble! The focus in our work together is - and should always be - you! But you can expect me to show up authentically to our appointments, as the person I am and not just the 'therapist'. I appreciate the use of humor, as appropriate, and I also favor direct communication. That doesn't mean "blunt" or insensitive, but I won't dance around subjects or shy away from asking the tough questions. I appreciate feedback and information from my clients in the same manner! I am compassionate, kind and open-minded and pledge to bring these qualities into our work together.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Over the course of my career I have found that I am well-suited to work with a variety of clients who may be struggling with any number of behavioral health issues, including anxiety and depression, parenting difficulties, unhealthy relationships, trauma-based diagnosis, life transitions, self-esteem and gender identity. I've also enjoyed working with teens and young adults, but generally connect well with all adult age groups. The ideal client is motivated to do the work and participate in the therapeutic process; my sessions, goals and treatment plans are client-led, not therapist directed. I am here to collaborate with and guide you on the path to emotional wellness and improved mental health.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Other specialties
Child or Adolescent
Grief
Military/Veterans
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Self Esteem
Substance Misuse
I identify as
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Arizona
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
Amerihealth Administrators
Arlo
Cash - $155 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
Evernorth
GTEB
Tufts Health/Cigna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have been using the ACT modality for the past 6 years in my work with military members and their families. Similar to CBT, ACT empowers clients to navigate their own thoughts, feelings and emotional responses in order to reduce anxious worry, low mood and 'stuck' responses to life experiences.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a classic, evidence-based therapeutic approach wherein you learn skills to implement positive change through small shifts in your thoughts and behaviors. It often includes 'homework' or tasks to practice outside of the therapy session. I have utilized CBT in its various forms (for insomnia, trauma processing, general therapy) for the past 15 years with great success in a wide variety of clients.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
CBT for insomnia is an excellent approach to assess the roots of your sleep difficulties and effect change or improvements with brief cognitive exercises and small changes to your daily or evening routines. I have practiced this intervention consistently for the past 8 years with active duty service members who do not want to rely on medication or sleep aids.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
CPT is a highly regarded, evidence-based practice for assessing and treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Like other CBT based interventions, it requires the individual to complete homework and various worksheets outside of session, which we then process and discuss in our follow up. I completed certified training for CPT in 2021 and it has been a great option for many clients looking to heal from sexual assault, combat trauma and domestic/ relationship abuse.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT was designed specifically to support individuals with borderline personality disorder, but it is also very helpful for learning general emotional regulation skills, allowing the client to see that they can be in control of their emotions/ feelings rather than feeling like emotions are always controlling them! DBT also incorporates mindfulness techniques which can be of benefit to just about everyone. I have found incorporating DBT skills in my work with adolescents and young adults to be very productive.