About Hannah Counselor in San Jose
Child and Teen Therapist in San Jose
Passion for Child and Teen Therapy
You’re wondering if therapy will actually help your child and if it will be worth the time and money you plan to invest.
You may be wondering if I will understand what unique needs and values your family has, and how it impacts how you view parenting and your family.
It’s vulnerable to allow your child to engage in therapy.
I’ve been working with children and their families in a professional setting since 2012. I understand the dynamics of a family, the unique values each family has, and what children need in a family to thrive.
As a child therapist, I honor what is brought into the therapy room without judgment. In fact, I believe that as the parent, you are the real expert on your child. My role as a child therapist is to help provide insight and feedback on what’s not working and why your child is the way they are.
I work as a trauma-informed clinician, compassionately viewing the child and their family in the context of what they have experienced and what trauma their bodies hold.
People who know me best describe me as warm, gentle, and playful and I will bring all of these traits into the therapy room with your child.
Let’s work together to provide the healing space your child needs to overcome their struggles so they can thrive in your family.
Values that Guide How I do Therapy
Child-Led
I believe children know what they need and can use the tools in my therapy space to express and process. I don’t rush the therapeutic process.
Playfulness and Curiosity
I don’t come to sessions thinking I am an expert or that there is “work to be done” with only workbooks or coping skills drills. I come to my therapy sessions with a playful and curious attitude and attempt to learn more about my client’s needs by asking questions, reflecting observations, and offering expressive outlets.
Identity Sensitivity and Humility
Your family comes to therapy with a variety of identities and as a therapist my job is to acknowledge and see the identities you carry and be sensitive to them. This involves acknowledging the struggles that potentially come with each identity, educating myself without burdening you, and having humility to learn from you. This includes core parts such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation
Qualifications for Child and Teen Therapy
Phase 1 Brainspotting and Brainspotting for Children trained (Pacific Trauma Center)
Advanced training in LGBTQ+ competency and treatment (Santa Clara County)
The Developmental Model Couples Counseling Level 1 Certified (The Couples Institute)
Master’s Degree in Counseling from Western Seminary
California Board of Behavioral Sciences: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist