Andrea Hanford profile image

Andrea Hanford

Andrea Hanford

(she/her)

LPC
20 years of experience
Warm
Direct
Virtual

Hello and Welcome, I'm so glad you're here! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania with 20 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 current high 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 as that often 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!

About Andrea Hanford

Identifies as

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My 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