About Dr. Abelkop and Erica Smolinski, M.A.
A. Shayne Abelkop, PhD, PC
- Dr. A. Shayne Abelkop (she/her) is a GA licensed psychologist
- She has expertise in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families
- She received an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Master's degree and Doctoral degree in School Psychology at the University of Georgia
- She has been licensed and in private practice since 2004
- Licensed in Georgia, Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, PSYPACT
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Erica Smolinski, M.A. Doctoral Practicum Clinician
- Erica Smolinski (she/her) is a 5th year student in her doctoral program at the University of Georgia.
- She received an undergraduate degree in Child Psychology at the University of Minnesota and a Master's degree in School Psychology at UGA
- She expects to have her Ph.D. in School Psychology completed by 2024
- She has experience working with children, adolescents, and families through her training at UGA's School Psychology Clinic, Jackson County School District, and Madison County School District
- Erica is completing practicum hours toward her future licensure as a psychologist under the supervision of Dr. Shayne Abelkop
- Offers in person and telehealth sessions
Non discrimination / Anti-Racism /Neurodiversity Pledge
We strive to create a safe and affirming space for exploration of the intersection of race, ethnicity, culture, color, religion/tradition, gender identity, gender expression/presentation, neurodiversity, disability, impairment status, national origin, sexual development, and sexual orientation in children, teens, and young adults.
Specialty Areas
Anxiety Disorders/OCD
Gender Identity/LGBTQIA+
Anxiety Disorders/OCD
- Evidenced Based Intervention with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Graduate of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) 2006 General and 2019 Child & Adolescent as part of the International OCD Foundation
- Further training with Advanced
- Evidenced Based Intervention with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Graduate of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) 2006 General and 2019 Child & Adolescent as part of the International OCD Foundation
- Further training with Advanced Consultation through the IOCDF (integration of ACT with ERP)
- SPACE training 2021 (Supporting Parents for Anxious Childhood Emotions)
- Inference-based CBT (ICBT) knowledgeable
Neurodiversity/Autism
Gender Identity/LGBTQIA+
Anxiety Disorders/OCD
- Neurodivergent affirming with focus on Autism.
- Support for mutual communication skills, self advocacy skills, improved self understanding, strengths based approaches, sensory/interoceptive awareness, trauma sensitive approach, and burnout informed.
- School psychologist with experience collaborating with schools
- Conducted diagnostic evaluati
- Neurodivergent affirming with focus on Autism.
- Support for mutual communication skills, self advocacy skills, improved self understanding, strengths based approaches, sensory/interoceptive awareness, trauma sensitive approach, and burnout informed.
- School psychologist with experience collaborating with schools
- Conducted diagnostic evaluations within the school system for 11 years (ADOS 2 trained)
- Respect for neurodiversity, autonomy of the individual, autism affirmation/pride
- Working alongside autistic individuals for more than 15 years
Gender Identity/LGBTQIA+
Gender Identity/LGBTQIA+
Gender Identity/LGBTQIA+
- Balanced, collaborative, developmentally appropriate, individualized, parental inclusive treatment decisions
- Affirmation for gender diversity, gender non conformity (all expressions of sex/gender are normalized and valid)
- World Professional Association of Transgender (WPATH) GEI SOC 7 Certified Member
- WPATH Foundational and Advanced Training
- Balanced, collaborative, developmentally appropriate, individualized, parental inclusive treatment decisions
- Affirmation for gender diversity, gender non conformity (all expressions of sex/gender are normalized and valid)
- World Professional Association of Transgender (WPATH) GEI SOC 7 Certified Member
- WPATH Foundational and Advanced Training, Advanced Assessment training
- Consultation with schools for safe & affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Pflag Athens Area board member
- Acceptance/recognition for those who desist, detransition, retransition, and reidentify with sex assigned at birth
