Meet Abby Polly-Almanza, MS, LMFT

It’s time to move beyond survival and into connection—together.

Abby Polly-Almanza, LMFT wearing a green shirt and jeans standing outdoors, leaning against a textured wall, smiling, with a garden and pathway visible in the background.

You remember a time when getting through a conversation with your partner didn’t feel like a struggle, when you weren’t at odds with your child, or when fear of something bad happening wasn’t your constant companion. But now, those days feel like a distant memory. Don’t you wish you could change that?

You’re in the right place.

I’m Abby, and I help individuals, couples, and families who have the potential to find peace and connection again but need the right support to get there.

I assist my clients in discovering self-acceptance, empowerment, and healing by providing the tools they need to build stronger relationships and lead more fulfilling lives. Many current solutions for trauma or relationship issues are one-size-fits-all, and do not consider the crucial roles of attachment or systemic influences such as family, community and culture. This often leaves people feeling stuck, unable to make real progress, or struggling long after therapy ends because the changes don’t fully address the root of their issues. I understand that your circumstances are unique and I believe you have an innate ability to heal. That’s why I tailor every step of our work together to your needs and strengths. Whether you come to me as an individual, a couple, or a family, my goal is always to create meaningful and lasting change.

First, we explore the protective parts of you that developed in response to past hurts, understanding how they impact you and your relationships today. Then, we focus on building a sense of safety within yourself and in your relationships, helping you connect more deeply with yourself and others and experience genuine healing. Through our work together, you’ll gain the skills and insights you need to thrive—in your personal growth, your relationships, or your family.

My Training & Experience

I am dedicated to helping people heal from trauma and improve relationships.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDR practitioner, I bring the expertise you deserve to help you heal yourself and your relationships. But I know that qualifications alone aren’t what matter most. What you really want is to work with someone who truly "gets" what it's like to struggle with trauma or relationship challenges, right?

I get it because I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals, couples, and families find peace and understanding. Growing up in a rural community with little access to mental health care, I experienced firsthand how trauma and complex relationships can impact your sense of self and connection to others. I know how isolating it can feel to be stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, all while yearning to feel whole and free.

When we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist—you’ll get someone who genuinely understands where you're coming from and is committed to helping you navigate your journey toward healing.

I grew up in rural Nebraska, but after moving to Fort Collins for college, I knew I had found my home and never left. My passion for learning, understanding how our minds and relationships work, and helping others in ways that weren’t available to me when I was younger led me to earn my master’s degree and become a therapist.

I enjoy spending time with my partner, my dog Olive, and my friends and family. Olive is often a friendly (and sleepy) presence during sessions so you may see her in the background.

My husband and I met in the small town we both grew up in but he is originally from Mexico. Our shared experiences growing up immersed in the Mexican community in rural Nebraska have given me a deep appreciation for Mexican culture. We visit home and Mexico often to stay connected with family and traditions, especially through food (one of my favorite parts!). When I’m not in session you’ll often find me in the kitchen working on new postre recipes.

A little about me Personally

Abby Polly-Almanza, LMFT and her husband sitting on green grass with their black dog named Olive, fenced yard background.

My guiding principles

Systemic

I consider the broader context of each client’s life, including their community, culture, and family dynamics, to address all influencing factors.

Attachment

I explore how attachment styles and early relationships shape current patterns, ensuring therapy addresses these core influences for lasting change at a deep level.

Evidence-Based

Using EMDR, IFS/parts work, and couples therapies like Gottman, PACT, and EFT, I apply evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s needs.

Therapeutic Relationship

I use an experiential style infused with a sense of of humor to make therapy engaging and to help clients feel more at ease. I actively encourage feedback and maintain open communication to ensure a collaborative experience.

Credentials

    • Master of Science 2019—Human Development & Family Studies, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

    • Bachelor of Science 2017—Human Development & Family Studies, Intervention Sciences Concentration, Early Childhood Professions Concentration, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

    • Colorado: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist License #: MTF.0002099

    • Vermont:  Allied Mental Health Practitioners Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Interim Telehealth Registration Credential #:100.0134052TELE

    • South Carolina: Professional Counselor Telehealth Provider Credential #TLC 811 MFT (https://llr.sc.gov/TeleHealth/Counselor.html)

    • Florida: Out of State Telehealth Provider Registration #TPMF1296 (https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/)

  • EMDR Basic Training

    I have completed the EMDR basic training program, as accredited by EMDRIA. This training covers the core principles and techniques of EMDR therapy, providing me with the skills necessary to assist clients in processing trauma and alleviating related symptoms. My training adheres to EMDRIA standards, ensuring a high level of competency in delivering effective EMDR therapy.

    Additional EMDR trainings:

    • EMDR for Addictions

    • IFS Informed EMDR

    Currently Pursuing EMDR Certification

    I am in the process of working toward my EMDR certification through EMDRIA. This journey involves completing required training and clinical practice to ensure I meet EMDRIA's high standards for delivering effective EMDR therapy. I am committed to advancing my skills and providing evidence-based support to my clients.

    Gottman Method Couples Therapy

    I have completed Level 1 and Level 2 training in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, as officially recognized by the Gottman Institute. This specialized training equips me with advanced techniques and interventions based on extensive research to help couples build stronger, healthier relationships.

    Incredible Years Group Leader

    I have completed the Incredible Years Parent Group Leader training for parents of children ages 2-8. This training, recognized by the Incredible Years program, equips me with the skills and knowledge to effectively lead parent groups, supporting parents in enhancing their parenting strategies and fostering positive development in young children.

  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), Professional Member since 2017

    https://www.therapistlocator.net/tl/viewprofile.aspx?Id=176571

    EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), Full Member since 2025

    https://www.emdria.org/directory/people/abby-polly-almanza/

Abby Polly-Almanza, LMFT smiling outdoors with curly hair in a white sweater