Abel Vaughn- Valencia, MS

Abel (he/him) is a Resident in Counseling and helps clients with a variety of mental health issues and life challenges. He often works with individuals and couples/partners who feel stuck in recurring patterns and want to better understand themselves and create more fulfilling connections and those recovering from trauma-related issues.

Abel’s approach is grounded in Psychodynamic Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, and he has completed Level 1 training in IFS Therapy through the IFS Institute. He also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based, and trauma-informed practices to help clients both explore their inner world and build practical skills. In his work with couples, Abel draws from Gottman Method Couples Therapy to support partners in improving communication, navigating conflict, and strengthening emotional intimacy and is kink/poly/queer affirming.

Abel is committed to providing an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and has a focused interest in men’s mental health and trauma-related issues. He earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Oklahoma and completed his clinical internship at an agency specializing in trauma, sexual and physical abuse, and family violence.