Hannah Bowen
I am Hannah, I have been working with clients for 3 years. I take an integrative, client-centered approach—working collaboratively to help individuals process past experiences, build insight, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in supporting clients through trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges.
I show up with genuine compassion, but I also believe in being honest and straightforward—gently challenging when needed to support growth.
My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where healing, growth, and self-compassion can flourish.
First session
In our first session, my main goal is to get to know you—who you are, what brings you to therapy, and what you’re hoping to get out of it. I’ll ask questions about your history, current challenges, and goals, but we’ll move at your pace. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with—there’s no pressure. I’ll also explain how I work, the therapy approaches I use (like EMDR, ACT, psychodynamic therapy, or motivational interviewing), and we’ll talk about what might be most helpful for you. This is also your time to ask questions and get a feel for whether I’m the right fit for you. Most people leave the first session feeling a bit lighter, heard, and with a clearer sense of direction. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we’ll shape it together.
Strengths
My greatest strengths as a therapist are being nonjudgmental, empathetic, direct, and collaborative. I create a space where clients feel safe to be fully themselves without fear of shame or criticism. I show up with genuine compassion, but I also believe in being honest and straightforward—gently challenging when needed to support growth. I see therapy as a team effort: I bring clinical insight, and you bring lived experience. Together, we work toward meaningful, lasting change.
Ideal clients
I work best with clients who are ready to look inward, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Many of the people I support are navigating anxiety, trauma, self-criticism, or feeling stuck in old patterns they can't quite name. Some come in carrying shame, perfectionism, or a deep sense that they’re “too much” or “not enough.” Others are working through life transitions, burnout, or struggles with identity and belonging. I’m especially attuned to individuals who want more than surface-level coping skills—they’re seeking real insight, healing, and long-term change. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space to do that work. My goal is to help you feel more whole, more self-compassionate, and more in control of your own story.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I regularly use ACT to help clients who struggle with anxiety, OCD, trauma, or identity-related concerns. I value ACT's focus on psychological flexibility, helping clients accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate them.
Motivational Interviewing
I use MI frequently with clients who feel ambivalent about change, whether that’s substance use, lifestyle habits, or even relationship decisions. I listen reflectively, highlight discrepancies between a client's goals and current behavior, and guide them in building motivation from within.
Psychodynamic
My training in psychodynamic therapy helps me explore the underlying, often unconscious, patterns that contribute to a client’s present distress. This approach is especially helpful for clients working through relationship issues, identity concerns, or longstanding emotional wounds.
EMDR
I am trained in EMDR and use it to support clients who are processing trauma, anxiety, guilt, or other distressing life experiences. I find EMDR especially effective for clients who feel “stuck” or overwhelmed by past events that continue to impact their present functioning. In my practice, I begin by ensuring the client has strong grounding and resourcing skills before moving into reprocessing. I use the standard 8-phase EMDR protocol, including identifying target memories, developing a target sequence plan, and using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements or tactile pulsers). For example, I’ve used EMDR to help clients work through experiences of childhood neglect, car accidents, grief, and guilt tied to work/life imbalance. Clients often report a shift in emotional intensity and a new perspective after reprocessing—less blame, more clarity, and emotional relief. I also incorporate Flash Technique and modified protocols when working with clients who have complex trauma or high dissociation, to ensure they stay within their window of tolerance. My goal is to help clients move from survival-based responses to feeling more integrated, empowered, and present.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- ConnecticutLicense 58.015425
- MassachusettsLicense LICSW1121539