Abby Sheneman, PsyD, LCSW
Abby Sheneman, PsyD, LCSW, is an accomplished clinical psychotherapist based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in grief counseling, trauma/EMDR, sex therapy, anxiety, and depression, and is trained in parent coordination. Abby runs her own private practice, providing telehealth and hybrid services, and emphasizes ethical, individualized care that goes beyond surface-level mental health trends. She combines her clinical expertise with strong skills in nonprofit work, policy analysis, and legal writing, reflecting a versatile professional background.
In addition to her private practice, Abby serves as an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University, where she teaches forensic psychology to master’s-level students. Her work with students includes grading assignments and guiding the preparation of affidavits for court submissions, bridging the gap between academic training and real-world application. Before founding her private practice, she worked in a group practice in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and spent over a decade at Bucks County Domestic Relations as a court officer, gaining unique insight into legal and social systems.
Abby holds a Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counseling from American International Theism University, California (AITU-CA), and a Master of Social Work from Temple University. Her career trajectory also includes earlier experience as a hairstylist, which she left due to an injury, inspiring her transition into social work and mental health. Recognized for her professional excellence, she has been honored in Marquis Who’s Who (2025) and featured as an expert sex-therapy consultant on the Channel 4 docuseries Virgin Island. Her work continues to integrate clinical care, education, and advocacy, making her a respected voice in psychotherapy and mental health education.
• Honored Listee
• LCSW
• American International Theism University, California (AITU-CA) - Psy.D.
• Who's Who 2025 Award
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (ASECT)
• CHOP Donations
• Local Thrift Shops
• Domestic Violence Shelters
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the example set by my parents. I watched my father build his own business through hard work and perseverance, while my mother balanced work and family with incredible dedication. Their determination, rigor, and unwavering support taught me the importance of taking ownership of my own path. They encouraged me to pursue my goals, take care of myself, and recognize that while support from others is valuable, I must be my own greatest advocate. Their drive and guidance have profoundly shaped who I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentor, Dr. Scott Blozinski, and it’s a lesson echoed by many in the field: we stand on the shoulders of giants. The work we do builds on the contributions of those who came before us. His guidance reminded me that my presence, expertise, and engagement are my most important tools in supporting my clients. This perspective has profoundly shaped how I approach my work and how I show up for the people I serve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to take full advantage of your instructors and available resources, and to build strong connections with your peers and cohort. Early on, don’t feel pressured to focus on a specific niche. Instead, explore the breadth of opportunities within the field and allow those experiences to guide you. This will help you understand how to best apply your talents to serve others while also finding work that you will genuinely enjoy for the long term—whether that’s 10, 15, or even 30 years down the line. Exploration before specialization is key.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was the loss of my best friend just before COVID, due to domestic violence. That experience deeply shaped my own journey with grief and inspired me to channel my personal experiences into supporting others who have faced similar trauma.
As for opportunities, the field of social work offers a remarkable breadth of paths. I can serve as a legal consultant, medical social worker, hospitalist, or conduct diagnostic assessments. I can also engage in public speaking or apply my expertise internationally in areas such as sex therapy, trauma, and grief counseling. I value this flexibility—the ability to “change hats” and leverage my education and experience in multiple ways within the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is central to both my personal and professional life, along with a commitment to ethical and legal standards. I also value education and awareness, particularly in my field. With the rise of pop culture and social media trends around mental health, it’s easy for important concepts to be reduced to a short caption. I prioritize psychoeducation with my clients, ensuring we go beyond surface-level understanding to explore the deeper meaning of their experiences—because what resonates with one person may differ greatly for another. Ultimately, honoring ethical practice, continuous learning, and the contributions of the giants who came before me in the field of psychology is what drives my work every day.
Locations
Private Practice
Quakertown, PA 18951