Hello and Welcome, I'm so glad you're here! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania with almost 24 years of experience working with children and teens along with their parents/ caregivers. Having worked with children, adolescents and families in a variety of settings including clinical outpatient, school, home, and Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Services (BHRS), and as a former high school and middle school counselor, I help clients with anxiety, depression, stress, autism, career and life focus, and behavioral concerns to become their best self. Kids have often told me they feel heard and hopeful when talking with me as well as their parents/ caregivers, which is the highest praise one can receive!! I am also a Mom by Adoption, which gives me a unique look into the relationship dynamic between child and parent navigating the relationship-building and everything that comes with it.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll get to know each other and how therapy works, building a relationship together. I'll listen to you to gain a better sense of who you are and where you would like to be and you'll, hopefully, be deciding I am a good fit with you and what you are seeking! We'll talk about any concerns you might have about the therapy process, what brings you to therapy and determine goals. My approach is one of openness and genuine caring, curiosity and desire to get to know you so I can support you in your journey!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am me - I am caring, compassionate and encouraging and always strive to create a safe, warm and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore what might be standing between them and the version of themselves they want. I also enjoy a healthy dose of humor that allows others to relax and enjoy the process! Encouragement may sometimes be in the form of asking the tough questions that are really going to make you stop and think deeply about an issue. Together, we'll create a safe space for you to really dig deep into what is happening and develop or strengthen the skills necessary to achieve their goals. Let's work TOGETHER to get unstuck and create a better life situation for you!
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults as they are on the cusp of the next stage of their life but are often struggling with peer/ social concerns, academic concerns, and worries about their future. They know they want their current situation(s) to change or be different in some way but don't know how to make that happen. Together, we can decide on the necessary skills needed to make those changes happen! I also enjoy working with adults who are anxious, confused or worried about life circumstances. These life circumstances can range from stress, career dilemmas, family, friends, anxiety, depression, etc. I also help children and families with diagnoses of autism. I am very passionate about working with fellow educators! Those working in education have many stressors ranging from the education system itself, administration, peers, students, burnout, the need for self-care, time management, career pivoting, etc. I work in education - I see you, I get you!! Whatever you are concerned about, let's chat and work on making the changes you are wanting!
About Andie Hanford
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My counseling approach is based on collaboration, empathy and skill-development utilizing your strengths. To accomplish this, I use techniques from various therapeutic methods such as: * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - explore and grow the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors; identify and challenge negative thought patterns to clear your head and enable you to develop healthier coping skills * Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) - with life’s complexities comes complexity in emotions; DBT offers skills to handle intense emotions and reactions to life * Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - similar to CBT in that it explores thoughts, feelings and behaviors, ACT focuses on the here and now and uses mindfulness and acceptance to accept what was and move forward * Trauma Informed Practices - being aware of the many ways trauma affects a client, recognizing the signs of trauma and responding in such a way so as not to cause further trauma or re-traumatized * Mindfulness - build self-awareness and reduce stress * Strengths-Based - is client-centered and builds on client strengths and focuses on getting people to effect change themselves
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Keeping client needs and wants front and center, I integrate aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as s framework to help clients navigate anxiety, career challenges, and life transitions with greater emotional resilience and clarity. DBT is a structured, skills-based approach that is highly effective in promoting emotional regulation, mindfulness, and adaptive coping—tools that are essential during periods of uncertainty and change. ANXIETY: DBT offers practical skills that directly target the symptoms and underlying patterns of anxiety. I work with clients to: (1) Develop mindfulness practices that reduce rumination and promote present-moment awareness; (2) Build distress tolerance techniques to manage anxiety-provoking situations without resorting to avoidance or impulsive behaviors; (3) Use strategies to regulate emotions to better understand and respond to anxious feelings with more balance and intentionality. CAREER COUNSELING: Career-related stress often involves internal conflict, fear of failure, or difficulties making decisions. DBT’s dialectical approach can help you: (1) Balance acceptance of your current career situation with motivation to pursue changes; (2) Improve interpersonal effectiveness skills, which are essential for workplace communication, boundary setting, and conflict resolution; (3) Use mindfulness to align your career goals with your values and strengths, fostering more meaningful and authentic choices. LIFE TRANSITIONS: Transitions—whether related to relationships, identity, location, or life stage—often bring emotional upheaval. In these times, DBT can be helpful in learning to: (1) Tolerate distress during periods of instability or loss.; (2) Learn to accept change to reduce resistance and emotional suffering; (3) Clarify goals and build a values-based path forward, enhancing motivation and a sense of direction. I guide clients in using DBT skills to stay centered during change, enhancing their adaptability and sense of agency/ ownership in themselves.