Licensed to practice in Minnesota and accepts 22 insurances. Specializes in Life Transitions, Mood Disorders, Trauma and PTSD and 8 more.

Layla Abdi

(she/her)

LICSW, 20 years of experience
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New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I specialize in providing psychotherapy to adults experiencing anxiety disorders, chronic stress, depressive symptoms, trauma-related conditions, and challenges associated with life transitions. My clinical approach is particularly effective for individuals who feel entrenched in maladaptive cognitive, emotional, or behavioral patterns that contribute to distress and impaired functioning. I am certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based therapeutic modality used in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. ART integrates elements of cognitive and experiential therapies with eye movements to facilitate the rapid processing and resolution of distressing memories, reduce physiological reactivity, and support adaptive emotional regulation.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, my goal is to create a welcoming, supportive space where you can begin to share what’s been going on at your own pace. There is no pressure to say everything perfectly or have a clear story prepared, many people come in feeling uncertain about where to start, and that’s completely okay. We’ll spend time talking about what’s bringing you to therapy right now, as well as any symptoms or experiences you’ve been noticing, such as anxiety, stress, low mood, trauma responses, or difficulties with life transitions. I may also ask some gentle questions about your background, current supports, and previous experiences with therapy, to help me better understand your needs. Most importantly, this session is about getting to know you as a person, not just a set of symptoms. We’ll begin identifying what you’d like to feel different in your life and what support might be most helpful for you moving forward. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable, and you are always in control of what you choose to share. If it feels appropriate, I may also introduce approaches that could support your goals, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma-related concerns. Above all, the first session is about starting a conversation in a space where you can feel heard, respected, and not judged.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What stands out most about my therapeutic approach is the balance of evidence-based treatment with a deeply person-centered, trauma-informed foundation. I focus on meeting each individual where they are, without judgment or assumptions, and tailoring therapy to your unique experiences, pace, and goals. My clinical work is grounded in research-supported modalities that are designed to create meaningful and lasting change. I integrate approaches that support emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and trauma processing, while also paying close attention to the nervous system and how stress and trauma are held in the body and mind. A core part of my practice is trauma-informed care, which means prioritizing safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in every session. Therapy is not something done “to” you, it is something we build together, with your comfort and readiness guiding the process. I also strongly value person-centered care, which means your lived experience is central. I aim to create a space where you feel genuinely heard and understood, while also gently supporting insight, growth, and change at a pace that feels manageable. When working with trauma and PTSD, I may incorporate Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based approach that can help reduce the intensity of distressing memories and support adaptive emotional processing. Clients often appreciate that my approach is both structured and flexible, grounded in clinical science, yet warm, collaborative, and responsive to what you need in the moment.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m best positioned to serve adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and or want a space to better understand what they’re carrying and how to move forward with more clarity and self-trust. Many of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, stress, burnout, perfectionism, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, identity questions, or the emotional impact of difficult past experiences. Some arrive knowing exactly what they want to work on, while others simply know that something feels off and they’re ready for support. I enjoy partnering with clients who are open to self-exploration, including those who are feeling conflicted or ambivalent about change, as well as those who are ready to move forward. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded. I aim to create a space where clients can slow down, feel understood without judgment, and develop practical tools alongside deeper insight. Together, we focus on helping clients strengthen emotional resilience, improve relationships, process difficult experiences, and build a life that feels more aligned and sustainable. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” who you are, it’s about helping you better understand yourself, reconnect with your strengths and needs, and create meaningful change at a pace that feels supportive and realistic.

Specialties

Top specialties

Trauma and PTSD

Other specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Grief

Postpartum

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) by helping clients develop awareness of their thoughts and emotions while learning not to be controlled by them. In sessions, I guide clients to identify patterns such as avoidance, overthinking, self-criticism, or behaviors that keep them feeling stuck. Together, we work on building psychological flexibility so they can respond to challenges in ways that align with their values and goals.

Trauma Informed Care

I use a trauma-informed approach to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel respected, heard, and empowered throughout the therapy process. Trauma-informed care recognizes that past experiences can affect emotional, physical, and relational well-being, and that healing happens best when clients feel emotionally safe and in control of their treatment. In sessions, I apply trauma-informed care by: Prioritizing emotional and physical safety and creating a nonjudgmental space. Moving at a pace that feels comfortable for the client and avoiding pressure to discuss traumatic experiences before they are ready. Helping clients build coping skills, grounding techniques, and emotional regulation strategies before processing difficult experiences. Being mindful of triggers, stress responses, and the impact trauma can have on thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and the nervous system. Encouraging collaboration and choice in treatment planning so clients feel empowered in their healing process. Using strengths-based support to help clients recognize resilience and build self-compassion.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing healthier ways of coping with challenges. In sessions, I work collaboratively with clients to explore how negative or distorted thoughts may be contributing to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, stress, or behavioral patterns. Together, we identify these patterns and practice strategies to challenge and reframe them in more balanced and realistic ways. My use of CBT may include: Identifying automatic negative thoughts and core beliefs. Recognizing patterns such as catastrophizing, self-criticism, or all-or-nothing thinking. Developing coping skills to manage anxiety, stress, and difficult emotions. Practicing problem-solving and behavioral strategies to improve daily functioning. Using journaling, thought records, and between-session exercises to reinforce skills outside of therapy. Helping clients build healthier behaviors and routines that support emotional well-being.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.