What inspired you to be a counselor?
There’s a Japanese concept called ikiagi, which means “one’s reason for being.” It’s the intersection of what you love, what the world needs, what meets your physical needs, and what you are good at. Counseling is that for me. I was inspired to pursue this career when I noticed how present I felt counseling those around me. Counseling helps me live in the moment more than the future. I feel most like myself when I am invited to walk with someone along a difficult life path.
What is something you would like new clients to know about beginning the counseling process?
One of the hardest parts about starting counseling is getting in the door. It is difficult figure out when, how, and with whom you want to do therapy. It is a challenge to show up. Starting therapy is an affirmation that your true and happiest self was worth fighting for. I hope that every session you get to feel that even deeper.
How would you describe your style or approach when counseling?
I use an integrative model to best adapt to the needs of my clients. Theories like Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and a feminist lens support my framework. Yet sometimes we are in pain not because we need to reframe how we think or feel, but because our world is realistically painful and unfair. I believe therapy is a good place to unpack thoughts and feelings, to learn coping skills, to adjust what we can, and to make meaning out of hard times. In addition, I encourage clients to slow down and reflect on the ‘why’ behind many of our desires, reactions, and beliefs to establish a greater self-awareness and self-ownership of our lives.
What self-care practices do you enjoy doing the most?
I think of the word sensory to summarize a lot of my self-care. I typically feel restored after engaging in one of my five senses. Sight: Turning off lights, prioritizing natural light, and dimming the light on my devices helps me retain and regain energy. Sound: I love listening to music, which can be a great tool for me to redirect my mood or to reflect on how I’m feeling. Conversely, turning off music and focusing on silence helps ground me when things are busy. Smell: When I fix my attention on a comforting smell like laundry or the outdoors, it naturally regulates my breathing without overthinking it. Taste: Prioritizing the cooking and enjoyment of good food slows down my life and makes me happy. Touch: This is a big one for me that spans self-massage, hot showers, wearing comfortable fabrics, getting a hug, and focusing on grounding sensations during exercise.
How do I schedule an appointment with Hannah?
You can email me directly at hhinerman@springtreecounseling.com. I see clients both in person and virtually.
If you are interested in learning more about Hannah, you can read his full bio here.