Hanna Welser, MSW, LICSW
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
My Education, Training, and Experience:
I earned my undergraduate degree in social work (BSW) in 2013. The following year I completed my master’s degree in social work (MSW) at Walla Walla University. During these years, I completed internships in individual and group therapy/education settings and volunteered until 2015 in a local after-school program focused on support and community for LGBTQ+ teens. From 2014-2019, I worked as an individual and group therapist for adults in a community mental health setting. I am Gottman Level 1 certified for couples counseling, and am trained in Somatic & Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (SAFE EMDR). I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Washington (License Number: LW60812050) and in the state of Oregon (License Number: L15059).
My Treatment Modality and Therapeutic Orientation:
I have a warm, person-centered approach to therapy, and come to the therapy room with a variety of tools. I employ two primary techniques to support my clients in achieving their goals. One approach involves cognitive techniques such as reframing thoughts, enhancing self-awareness, and identifying unconstructive beliefs and patterns. The second approach (typically involving EMDR) focuses on the body, promoting the holistic integration of thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. By blending these complementary approaches and customizing them to suit the specific requirements of each client, I have consistently witnessed positive outcomes in addressing their therapeutic needs.
I strongly believe that you, as the client, possess profound expertise regarding your own self, and that you inherently have the potential for growth and healing. As a therapist, my primary role is to create a secure and accepting environment where you can freely express yourself and acquire new skills to accomplish your objectives. Presently, my therapeutic focus lies in working with individuals aged 16+ seeking to address historical trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, chronic physical pain/illness, and grief. Moreover, I am committed to promoting a gender and sexuality-affirming environment, possessing knowledge in these areas, and maintaining a sex-positive stance. I am genuinely thrilled to join you on your journey of self-discovery!
