Hannah Pasternak, LCSW
I believe that seeking out support for your current difficulties shows strength and courage.
As a therapist, I provide a non-judgmental, solution-oriented, empathetic, and supportive environment to explore life’s challenges. My aim is to provide a space of safety, genuineness, and compassion to work collaboratively towards the goals you envision for yourself and build your toolbox of coping and conflict resolution skills. I believe you are the expert in your own life. For this reason, my therapy practice uses a strengths-based approach to identify your concerns and create a constructive plan for your healing and forward movement.
My Practice as a Therapist
My experience involves working with clients living with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, substance use, grief, and loss. Many of my clients describe their lives as chaotic, often feeling so stressed and overwhelmed that they struggle to find a clear path to real change or emotional control. I also work with clients on issues related to self-esteem and relationships, specifically identifying red flags and establishing boundaries, personal growth, and goal-setting. Additionally, I help our First Responders (fire, police, emergency personnel) manage the stress and pressure that comes along with that job. I utilize a holistic and person-centered approach, integrating therapeutic treatments such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness strategies.
My clients span from adolescence through adulthood. As a licensed therapist in California, I work exclusively using TeleHealth (phone/video sessions). This is a great option for clients who cannot attend regular office appointments due to work schedules, health conditions, time constraints, and travel expenses. I have found that TeleHealth knocks down barriers and allows us to focus on the work!
My Background
I have received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Development with a minor in counseling from the University of Arizona. Also, I’ve earned my Master of Social Work degree from Cal State Fullerton with an emphasis in community mental health. I have experience working at a domestic violence and human trafficking shelter and service provider, substance use outpatient program, and bereavement program for children. Additionally, I am comfortable working with sexual abuse, childhood sexual abuse, and sexual assault survivors. I also have experience supervising MSW interns as a field instructor. My educational and professional experiences have prepared me to embark on a therapeutic journey with clients from all different walks of life. Further, my lived experience as the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors has provided me with the skills to work with Jewish clients to process difficult moments in their Jewish identity.
A fun fact about me is I LOVE music! Hip-hop, R&B, and Classic Rock are some of my favorites. I am always looking for new song or artist recommendations, so feel free to come to session with some song suggestions!
Ever wondered what a therapy session actually looks like? Or what the first steps are? I share answers to all those questions and more in our recent blog.