Welcome to
Mindful Matters
Welcome to Mindful Matters! As a licensed clinical social worker, I have been practicing psychotherapy both in person and/or online in New York City, Westchester and Connecticut since 2007. In this time I have had the opportunity to help countless people navigate challenges and create positive change in their lives.
Life throws significant hurdles and opportunities at us which can create stress and anxiety. Friends and family are invaluable supports, but sometimes you need more. Therapy can help when you feel stuck or uncertain of what to do next. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard as an individual and safe to explore your thoughts, while also gaining tools and insights to set and achieve your own goals. Some of my clients’ concerns have included learning how to cope with a general feeling of anxiety or a more acute panic attack, or steer through the challenges of parenting, relationships, career choices, college, and physical health.
Acknowledging specific fears, stressors and goals can lead to an empowering stance for change. The clinical expertise and supportive environment at Mindful Matters can help you find and achieve the change you want in your life. Through and individualized blend of solution focused, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and mindfulness (ACT) approaches we will work together to create a path towards a more satisfying life.
About Abby
Abigail Mullen, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University and completed her clinical training through the NYU Langone Medical Center. Early in her career at New York University, Abby found that her clients often spoke to her of difficulties beyond their health concerns. This led her to focus on gaining clinical expertise in aiding clients through life's obstacles.
Abby has a particular interest in the dynamic changes that come with living life including: relationships, career, health diagnoses, social changes, and familial changes. As a clinical social worker, Abby has a passion for the human connection and will work with you to create a safe and supportive environment to effect positive change in your life. Abby is devoted to the ever advancing field of mental health and has training in mindful based stress reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Anxiety
Do you find your heart is often racing, or you have difficulty pulling yourself out of a repetitive or worrisome thought? Do you find yourself unable to make decisions for fear of making the “wrong choice”? You could be suffering from anxiety. Anxiety is very real and increasingly prevalent in our fast-paced, focus driven society. At Mindful Matters we will work with you to gain tools that allow you to move beyond your anxious feelings and effectively and positively engage with your life.
Parenting
Raising children can be rewarding; it can also be difficult, frustrating, isolating, and confusing. Even before you make the decision to conceive or adopt a child, you may find yourself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, compounded by the thoughts, ideas and feelings of others around you. These often well-meaning offerings of advice can make it difficult to find and follow your own voice. As children grow, so do the anxieties surrounding the choices you make as a parent. You may find yourself experiencing anxiety or stress related to your child’s trouble with school or friends, special needs diagnosis, or general behavior changes as he/she moves through childhood and into adolescence. It is often difficult to talk to friends and family as you struggle with your own feelings and try to protect the feelings of your child. At Mindful Matters we will help you find your strength as a parent.
Midlife
Raising children can be rewarding; it can also be difficult, frustrating, isolating, and confusing. Even before you make the decision to conceive or adopt a child, you may find yourself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, compounded by the thoughts, ideas and feelings of others around you. These often well-meaning offerings of advice can make it difficult to find and follow your own voice. As children grow, so do the anxieties surrounding the choices you make as a parent. You may find yourself experiencing anxiety or stress related to your child’s trouble with school or friends, special needs diagnosis, or general behavior changes as he/she moves through childhood and into adolescence. It is often difficult to talk to friends and family as you struggle with your own feelings and try to protect the feelings of your child. At Mindful Matters we will help you find your strength as a parent.
Career
Is this career the right fit for me? Do I have an effective work life balance? There are so many questions that can arise when it comes to our career choices. Talking about career choices may be risky in the workplace and can be difficult within personal relationships. Work related questions are also often heavily laden with anxiety and uncertainty. Through solution focused and mindful techniques, Mindful Matters therapy can help you with your emotions and questions and help you gain confidence to make decisions that work best for you.
How does therapy work?
How long does therapy last?
I offer both short and long term options. In your firstsession we will begin to devise a plan tailored to your needs at that time, andwill continue to reevaluate through the process.
What can I expect
Each session is 45 minutes long, with an option for extendedsessions if needed. During that time thespace is yours to discuss and process the events of your life. I will help keep you moving towards yourgoals while giving you clinically sound encouragement to explore new goals,concerns or fears as needed.
Why Psychotherapy and not simply Coaching?
While coaching plays a very important role in setting and achieving goals throughout therapy, the underlying emotions (anxiety, fear, depression) can halt the progress. Working with a licensed clinical social worker who has the training to address these emotions in session will help you to achieve your goals more quickly.
Why pay privately?
Private pay allows for treatment without adding a diagnosis to your permanent record or having to send detailed notes about your personal life, fears, hopes and dreams to your insurance company.
Is there a cancellation fee?
You can cancel your appointment at any point up to 24 hoursin advance. Any cancellation within 24 hours of your appointment will result ina charge for the full fee of the session.
Do I have to come in weekly?
No, therapy is a time to focus on yourself and moving towards a satisfying life, and should not create another obstacle in your life. There are however clinically founded reasons for coming weekly when you begin therapy. The more you commit to mindfully motivating yourself, the more quickly you will see the benefits in your life.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, if your insurance offers out of network coverage. Mindful Matters will provide you with all the information you need to be reimbursed at least a portion of your sessions. To find out the specifics of your plan, call your insurance provider and ask the following questions.
Do I have out of network mental health benefits? Do I have a deductible, and has it been met? How many mental health sessions per calendar year does my insurance plan cover? How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network mental health provider? Notice: Mindful Matters only offers out of network coverage. Out of network records are not subject to the same disclosure requirements as in network providers. This way your are keeping your therapy private.
Testimonials
Hear what my patients have to say.
Mindful Matters Blog
Why Mindfulness
Office Space
