Hannah Veenstra

We are always growing, and life is always changing. Sometimes life throws us challenges that may be difficult to manage without assistance. My goal as a clinician is to meet clients where they are, make them feel understood and validated, and provide them with tools to help them manage anything life throws at them. I strive to empower clients to overcome life’s challenges and to face life with confidence. I utilize a person-centered clinical approach and work with clients to identify short-term and long-term goals, as well as identify their strengths and build stronger coping skills.

I have more than 10 years of experience as a social worker, providing therapy to children and families in a community mental health setting, as well as in various capacities in the child welfare system. My experience provides me with a unique understanding of the process and reality of fostering, adopting, and/or having your children placed in foster care.

I enjoy working with clients of all ages. I specialize in working not only with children, but also with their families. For better or worse, our families help shape who we are, how we view things, and our perspective on life. It is so important for caregivers to receive support and psychoeducation regarding their children’s mental health needs, while also addressing their own mental health needs.

Because of my clinical experience, I’m able to incorporate multiple modalities, including family systems, attachment, and cognitive. In working with clients, I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I like to build my therapeutic approach around the client’s needs, comfort level, and interest. My specialties include supporting individuals impacted by life changes, ADHD, depression, anxiety, intergenerational trauma, grief/loss, anger management, family conflict, adoption/foster care, and childhood trauma.

I understand that taking that first step and scheduling an initial therapy appointment can cause anxiety and discomfort. My first priority in introductory sessions is to put the client at ease by providing a warm, welcoming space and letting the client lead the first session - that sometimes means we just get to know one another and keep things surface level. I believe this is an important step to forming a therapeutic alliance. I encourage clients to share their life experiences and therapy goals. I want to provide a space that allows for comfort, vulnerability, and acceptance.