Hannah Carter

Hi, I’m Hannah Carter, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related concerns in children, teens and adults. I provide evidence-based, individualized therapy for people who feel stuck in patterns of intrusive thoughts, worry, emotional overwhelm, or past experiences that continue to impact daily life.

I have advanced training in the treatment of OCD and anxiety and use evidence-based approaches such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Inference-Based CBT (ICBT). I also integrate trauma-informed care, including EMDR when appropriate, to address underlying experiences that contribute to symptoms. I am also a certified autism specialist with comfortability in providing neurodivergent affirming care.

I work with both clients who feel highly aware of their patterns and those who are just beginning to understand what they’re experiencing. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Together, we focus on increasing insight, reducing symptoms, and building practical tools for lasting change.

My approach is structured, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based treatment for OCD, anxiety, and trauma. I tailor therapy to each client rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, with a focus on measurable progress and meaningful symptom reduction.

For OCD and anxiety disorders, I use ERP, ACT, and ICBT to help clients respond differently to intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and uncertainty. For trauma-related concerns, I integrate EMDR and trauma-informed approaches to support processing and nervous system regulation. I also draw from additional modalities as needed based on the client’s goals.

In session, I aim to balance support with gentle challenge. Therapy is paced to match your readiness while still moving toward change. The focus is on building insight into patterns, reducing avoidance and compulsive behaviors, and strengthening coping skills that support daily functioning.

The first session focuses on understanding what brought you to therapy and identifying the symptoms, patterns, or concerns that feel most present right now. We’ll talk through your current experiences with OCD, anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm, as well as any relevant background that helps inform treatment.

I prioritize creating a structured but comfortable space where you don’t need to have everything figured out. Some clients arrive with clear goals, while others are still trying to understand what they’re experiencing—both are welcome.

We’ll begin identifying initial treatment goals and discuss what therapy may look like based on your needs. This may include OCD-focused treatment, anxiety reduction strategies, trauma processing, or skill-building for emotional regulation.

By the end of the first session, most clients leave with a clearer understanding of their symptoms and patterns, and a sense of direction for treatment moving forward.