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LISW

Abena Derkyi, LISW

  • Experience3 years
  • LocationOhio
  • Focus areasADHD, Trauma and abuse, and Grief
  • LanguagesEnglish
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About Abena

Abena Derkyi is an Ohio-licensed social worker (LISW) with three years of clinical experience supporting people through trauma, grief, anger, self-esteem challenges, and ADHD-related concerns.

Background and approach

She emphasizes a strengths-based view, helping clients recognize the capabilities they already possess and using those assets to work through difficult transitions and emotional struggles. Abena frames therapy as a collaborative journey, meeting each person where they are and offering steady support while clients explore change.

Her practice also addresses relationship and family dynamics, parenting challenges, depression, and coping with life changes, along with focused concerns such as adoption and foster care, DMDD, impulsivity, and issues around guilt, shame, and self-harm. Abena aims to create a space that honors each person’s story and encourages practical steps toward greater confidence and motivation.

She invites those ready to pursue a more fulfilling life to take the first step and seek support in a thoughtful, strengths-focused way.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Access

Abena draws on established, evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each person's needs. One common approach focuses on strengths and skill-building to improve motivation, self-esteem, and day-to-day coping; this method helps clients identify what works for them and develop practical strategies for managing emotions and behavior. Another approach centers on trauma-informed care that attends to past experiences and their impact on current relationships and mood, offering ways to process difficult memories and reduce their hold on present functioning.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Abena works collaboratively with clients to find methods that match their goals, preferences, and pace. She encourages an open conversation about what feels helpful and adjusts techniques as progress unfolds so the plan remains client-centered and responsive.

Online therapy offers flexible access to these approaches through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access support from the comfort of one's own setting while working with licensed professionals to address concerns such as ADHD, grief, anger, and relationship difficulties.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Abena often address in sessions?
She works with people facing trauma and abuse, grief and loss, anger, low self-esteem, ADHD-related struggles, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, depression, and life transitions.
What is Abena's therapeutic approach and style?
Abena emphasizes a strengths-based, collaborative style that centers the client's experience and builds on existing strengths to navigate challenges and promote motivation and confidence.
How much experience does she have?
She has three years of professional experience working with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What credentials and location apply to this clinician?
She is licensed as an LISW in Ohio with the license number OH LISW I.2304743.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted; services are provided to clients within the therapist's accepted regions.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference and scheduling.
How is payment handled and what does therapy cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are required to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Trauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteemADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Family problemsGuilt and shameImpulsivityPregnancy and childbirthSelf-harmSelf-love

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

Ohio

Languages

English

What Abena can help with

Abena Derkyi works with clients on trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, self esteem, and ADHD.

Abena works with clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, and motivation.

Experience and training

Abena is a Licensed Independent Social Worker practicing in Ohio, with 3 years of clinical experience.