Meet Abigail Testani, LPC
Hi! I’m Abigail, a Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Joy Talk Counseling. I’m glad you’re here!
Abigail is a virtual Charleston therapist who believes real growth happens in a space where you feel truly seen, safe and accepted to help deepen your understanding of your true self. She is committed to reducing shame and creating a safe space for your personal growth.
Therapeutic Approach
Abigail takes a relational approach- genuine connection between her and her clients is at the heart of the work. She blends evidence-based methods including CBT, DBT, somatic techniques, body-based practices, narrative work (exploring how you speak to yourself), mindfulness, and self-compassion- tailoring to what best fits your life. She also incorporates simple awareness of the world around you to support calm, grounding and a more peaceful mind.
Specialties and Interest
She specializes in supporting adults with: Trauma & PTSD — military or service-related experiences, MST, childhood trauma and complex trauma, Generalized Anxiety — especially when linked to past experiences, Eating Challenges — binge eating disorder, disordered eating, OSFED, body image struggles, and self-worth wounds, Relationship Growth — family, friendships, dating, and marriage. She also supports life transitions, grief (including pet loss), stress, and anger management.
Education and Experience
Abigail attended Syracuse University in Upstate NY graduating with a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021. While attending, she interned at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Outpatient, Inpatient, and Suicide Prevention Case Management. After graduation, she transitioned into Mental Health Mobile Crisis working directly with local mental health centers, law enforcement, emergency service centers, and community providers. After here, she moved into private practice, with having valuable experience of learning the importance of creating a safe space and understanding the whole-person to best help her clients.
Professional Development
Abigail is committed to ongoing continuing education focused on evidence-based therapeutic approaches. She purses advanced trainings, workshops and certifications in interventions supported by current research to strengthen clinical skills and provide effective, high-quality care to her clients.
Outside the Office
In her free time, Abigail loves spending time outside from sitting on her back porch spotting birds, exploring beaches for shells, to hiking in the woods- pretty much anything that gets her outside. She also enjoys a good documentary and keeping her body moving with practicing Pilates and yoga. She finds her greatest fulfilment in spending time with her dogs and her family.
