Valerie Abelis, MA

Val Abelis (she/her/hers) is a mental health counselor with a BS in Psychology from Lasell University and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. She is committed to practicing through a client-centered and trauma-informed lens. Val takes a relational and integrative approach to counseling and believes that treatment should be tailored to each client’s unique background, values, strengths, and needs. She believes that each person is the expert on themselves and that a strong relationship between client and counselor is a key element of the healing process.Val has clinical experience with individuals of different ages and has particularly enjoyed working with young adults and adults. She has worked in settings ranging from in-home services to inpatient substance use units. Prior to joining The Leggett Group, she completed her internship at a college counseling center, where she had the privilege of walking alongside clients navigating various challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, and complex relational dynamics.  Val brings warmth, compassion, and humor into sessions, and she prioritizes co-creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and empowering for each of her clients. Val is bilingual in English and Russian. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to music and attending concerts, weightlifting, and connecting with friends.