Abena graduated with her master’s degree in social work from New York University (NYU-Shanghai) in 2018. In 2012, Abena obtained her bachelor’s degree in public health and Africana Studies from the University of Albany. Abena has clinical experience working with adolescents, children, couples, and adults experiencing mental health disorders. These disorders include anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning disabilities, gender identity issues, low self-esteem, and relationship/communication conflicts. Abena has more than four years experience working in various settings such as foster care, high schools, permanent housing, and mental health agencies. Abena has also facilitated a parenting group for mothers and a psychoeducation group for adolescents experiencing anxiety and academic difficulties.

Abena utilizes approaches such as CBT, Strength-Based, Narrative theory, Mindfulness and Solution-focused as the primary framework for her sessions. Abena also involves clients into the treatment plan to determine what would work best for them.

Abena works on creating a comfortable and safe environment by allowing the clients to be the narrator of their own story. She provides a positive and respectful environment in which clients can express themselves, feel heard without any judgement and be empowered. She works on building rapport and collaboratively including clients in their journey towards healing. Her goal is to change the stigma of mental health while empowering clients overall mental well-being.