Hanna Schaefer, LICSW (she/they)
My sessions are conversational and down-to-earth. I want therapy to feel like a real, human connection, not a clinical checklist. I believe in getting to know each individual and personalizing therapy to their specific needs. I may be a good fit for people who feel stuck in old relational patterns and want to build healthier, more affirming ways of connecting. I have a strong background in CBT, so I enjoy aiding clients in changing patterns of thinking or behaving that are unhelpful to them.
I appreciate a “big personality”. Many of my clients are neurodivergent or folks who feel that social norms push them towards pathways they would find unfulfilling. My clients have often been told they’re too much or not enough; together, we work on embracing their strengths while navigating the challenges. I have special knowledge and experience in working with queer and trans adults. I am aware of how many people, especially trans people, have experienced harm in healthcare and mental healthcare settings. It is important to me to provide my clients with a sense of safety and unconditional support. I work to uplift all clients who are navigating the impact of systemic oppression, and acknowledge the larger forces at play in their lives, not just the individual factors.
You can expect me to laugh with you when humor helps, challenge you gently when old patterns show up, and focus on finding tools that make daily life easier. My goal is to collaborate with you to figure out how to maximize your fulfillment by living an empowered life that is authentic to you and aligned to your personal values.
In my free time, I am a huge nerd who enjoys D&D, going to concerts (especially metal shows), playing instruments, writing, exploring new places, and spending time with loved ones and my dog. I am passionate about video games, art, reading, nature hikes, and films.
Specialties: 18+, individual therapy with adults, neurodivergence, trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and disability, gender euphoria exploration, LGBTQIA+, non-binary, BIPOC, polyamory, kink, men’s mental health, religious trauma, agoraphobia
