Abigail Anderson, LCSW
Abigail is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is in the final stage of her dissertation for her
Ph.D. at the University of Utah. She received her master’s in social work from the University of
Southern California in 2016 and is licensed in Utah and California, offering strictly remote
services.
As an Adjunct Faculty member, Abigail has taught clinical courses, practice, and DSM courses both at the undergraduate and master’s levels, in person and online. She is dedicated to educating future social workers on LGBTQ+ affirmative practices and providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to support diverse populations effectively.
Abigail prioritizes honoring everyone’s unique journey and experiences. She believes in leveraging past challenges as opportunities for growth and authenticity. Her therapeutic style is collaborative, holistic, and creative, integrating various treatment modalities to support clients in deepening their self-awareness and self-acceptance. Passionate about creating space for children and youth to explore their sexualities without fear of consequences and feel safely supported, Abigail is committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of sexual and gender minority individuals.
Abigail entered candidacy in August after passing her dissertation proposal. Her doctoral research delves into the intricate relationship between religious and sexual identity development in young individuals, investigating its impact on mental health outcomes such as suicide risk, depression, and anxiety. Abigail examines various factors, including social support networks, religiosity, and religious institutions’ stance on homosexuality, to understand their influence on mental health resilience or vulnerability. By unraveling these dynamics, she aims to develop sensitive interventions addressing the unique needs and challenges of LGBTQ+ youth, fostering inclusive environments for all youth, regardless of their religious or sexual orientation.
In addition to her research and clinical work, Abigail is committed to supervising new clinicians and students early in their careers. She recognizes the importance of providing guidance and mentorship to new social workers, emphasizing the significance of supporting them as they navigate their professional journey. Abigail believes in nurturing the next generation of social workers and ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive in their practice.
Beyond academia and the therapy room, Abigail finds joy and fulfillment in the enchanting world of circus performance, swinging through the air as a flying trapeze artist, gracefully dancing as a ballerina, and bending reality as a Mongolian contortionist. Her passion for equestrianism, horse vaulting, and archery takes her on exhilarating adventures, while her wanderlust spirit leads her to the far corners of the globe
Locations: Telehealth
Areas of Interest:
LGBTQ+ Individuals of All Ages
Parents and Guardians of LGBTQ+ Youth
Children and Adolescents
Identity and Self-Exploration
Religious Trauma
Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, and Genderqueer
Non-Monogamous Relationships
Sexual Health and Intimacy