Do you feel like your past prevents you from enjoying your present and looking forward to your future? Do you find yourself repeating patterns of behavior that no longer serve you? Do you struggle to maintain meaningful and stable relationships? By exploring the wounds from your past, you can find empathy and understanding. You can be free. “Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.” – Peter A. Levine I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I utilize a depth approach rooted in Internal Family Systems supported with mindfulness, self-compassion and accountability. I am trained in evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT as well as somatic integration. Through gentle challenges, connection and insight, I create a space for reflection and finding deeper meaning to promote a sense of wholeness.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, I will encourage you to tell me your story in a way that makes sense and feels safe for you. We will also discuss policies/procedures and short-term/long-term goals for therapy. You will have the opportunity to ask me questions about myself and my approach so you can make an informed decision about whether I'm the right fit for your needs.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My primary focus is your safety, emotionally and physically. I am well versed in Trauma-Informed Care and integrate consent wherever possible. I believe the body keeps the score and in order to have a healthy relationship with ourselves, we need to have a healthy relationship with every aspect of our bodies and minds. I focus on learning to be comfortable in the uncomfortable and how to thrive in an imperfect, confusing world. I will be honest about the realities of the work. I don't sugar coat things. I will tell you if something is going to be hard, frustrating, scary, etc AND necessary in order to heal. I became a therapist after struggling with my own mental health issues, including self-harm and eating disorders. I know what it's like to be the one on the couch and, while I might challenge you, I will never ask you to do something I would not be willing to do myself.

About Hannah Ayers