Meet Abby
Hi, I’m Abby. I offer in-person therapy for couples and individuals, creating a space where you can feel heard, understood, and make sense of the patterns shaping your relationships so you can change them. Keep reading to learn more about my journey, background, and approach.
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About Me
I was born in Virginia, but the Tri-Cities has been home for most of my life. I feel deeply connected to this place and the people who make it what it is. I’m a wife and mom who stays grounded through movement, learning, time outside, and sharing life with the people I love.
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Life has always been centered around connection for me. I’m drawn to the small, meaningful moments that make up a life. Conversations that go a little deeper, time spent outside, laughter, and the quiet sense of being understood.
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I’ve experienced both the joys and challenges life brings, and I’ve seen how much our relationships shape us. They can hold so much beauty, and so much complexity. I believe life asks us to hold both, to find meaning along the way, and to tend to the relationships that matter most.
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I value presence, curiosity, and depth. I care deeply about people and the stories they carry, and I don’t take lightly the trust it takes to truly be known.
Professional Background
I began my professional journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern Washington University, specializing in middle level mathematics with a minor in special education. I spent seven years teaching a wide range of subjects, from early elementary through fifth grade.
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Through this work, I discovered what I valued most was supporting students in building confidence, resilience, and healthy relationships. I especially appreciated partnering with families and creating spaces of connection, where strengths could be seen and celebrated. These experiences shaped my understanding of how deeply relationships impact growth and led me to pursue a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University.
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I have completed my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy and am in the process of applying for my Marriage and Family Therapist Associate license in Washington State. I will begin seeing clients in Spring 2026 under the supervision of Dennis Eames, MS, LMFT (License #LF00001930), as I open Abby Harder Counseling, PLLC in the Tri-Cities.
Clinical Approach
Everyone has a unique story and deserves to feel valued and understood. I create a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported as you navigate life’s challenges and your most important relationships. I approach my work with care, curiosity, and compassion, holding hope for growth and connection even in difficult moments.
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Meaningful change comes through understanding emotional experiences and relational patterns. Together, we slow things down, explore what’s happening beneath the surface, and make space for emotions that may feel overwhelming or hard to access. My approach is collaborative, experiential, and grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an attachment based model that helps individuals and couples understand what keeps them stuck and create new ways of relating. I also integrate elements of Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and trauma informed care to remain flexible and responsive to each person’s needs.
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I am an affirming therapist who welcomes individuals and couples of all identities and relationship structures, including monogamous, non monogamous, and polyamorous relationships, as well as queer relationships, blended families, and chosen families. Therapy with me is a space where all parts of who you are are respected, and where you do not need to explain or defend your identity to be understood. I am not a tools driven therapist, though I offer resources when helpful. Instead, I focus on building a therapeutic relationship grounded in safety, trust, and curiosity, where you can do meaningful work, deepen connection, and create lasting change.