Q&A with Hannah Pasternak, LCSW: Stepping into the Role of Clinical Director
We’re excited to share that Hannah Pasternak, LCSW has stepped into the role of Clinical Director at Lisa Eaton Therapy & Coaching.
Hannah has already been a valued member of our team, and in this new position, she will continue to support both our clinicians and clients through leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to collaborative care.
We sat down with Hannah to learn more about her approach, her passion for the work, and what this next chapter means to her.
Q&A with Hannah Pasternak, LCSW
1. Congratulations on your new role! What excites you most about stepping into the Clinical Director position at Lisa Eaton Therapy & Coaching?
I’m excited to continue connecting with local professionals in our community to expand awareness of the work we do at LETC and the highly skilled team supporting our clients. I’m also really looking forward to helping our clinicians grow in their skills and confidence as lifelong learners in the mental health field.
2. In this role, you’ll be supporting the clinical team through trainings, tools, and professional development. What are you most passionate about when it comes to supporting fellow therapists?
I’m most passionate about helping therapists not feel alone in the work they do. Because we’re a fully telehealth practice, it can be easy to feel isolated. I value being able to offer collaboration and grounding support to the team. I also love encouraging therapists to think dynamically and take initiative in their work.
3. Your therapy approach is described as strengths-based, compassionate, and collaborative. How does that philosophy shape the way you support both clients and your clinical team?
I truly believe that everyone comes with their own knowledge and life experiences that I may not have. My approach is to work collaboratively, walking alongside clients and team members to find solutions that feel aligned and meaningful. It’s about putting our heads together and honoring each person’s perspective.
4. As you step into a leadership role within the practice, what helps you create a supportive and grounded environment for both your team and the people you serve?
I aim to lead in a values-based way and to truly “walk the walk.” I always want to show up as a human first and a therapist or leader second. I believe that’s what creates sustainable growth and a positive environment. Being boundaried, present, and not rushed in my interactions is also really important to me.
5. Many clients feel overwhelmed or stuck when they first start therapy. What would you want them to know about beginning the process?
You don’t need to have all the answers—or even know exactly where you want to go—to benefit from therapy. I often ask clients what progress looks like to them, which helps guide the process and gives clarity around why they’re reaching out in the first place.
6. You work with many first responders. What are some of the unique challenges they face, and how can therapy help support them?
The first responder community is very tight knit community that is strong in their morals and values of serving others. Many first responders silently carry the weight of the world and often struggle with isolation, anxiety, and job related stress and trauma.
As the spouse of a first responder, I have a unique understanding of what the experience is like for first responders when they end their shift; their body is physically home but their brain is still on the job. Therapy can help untangle those experiences and provide practical tools to manage stress, improve relationships, and enhance overall quality of life.
7. What do you hope clients experience or gain from working with the team at Lisa Eaton Therapy & Coaching?
I hope clients feel supported, less alone, and equipped with tools they can use in their everyday lives. I want them to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, feel more direction both short- and long-term, and know they have someone on their team to both challenge and walk along side them through life’s positive and difficult moments.
8. And finally—a fun one! What have you been listening to lately?
I am such a big music lover! I find music helps put emotions and experiences into words I can relate to. Lately I’ve been loving Noah Kahan and am looking forward to his new album shortly. When I need an energy boost, I’ve been listening to Don Toliver’s new album.
We’re so grateful to have Hannah in this leadership role and excited for the continued growth of our team and community.
If you’re interested in working with Hannah or another member of our team, we invite you to reach out and get started. Please contact our Intake Coordinator at 949-236-1990 or at intakes@lisaeatontherapy.com, or learn more over at our Get Started Page.
