Zara Hanson

I’m Zara Hanson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping people reconnect with themselves, heal from the inside out, and show up more fully in their relationships.

My interest in mental health started early, rooted in a curiosity about human behavior and a desire to help others feel less alone in their struggles. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Research Psychology, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Social Work with a focus on both direct therapy and systems-level care. Over the years, I’ve worked across a range of settings—from community mental health to private practice—supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating complex emotional terrain.

My practice focuses on trauma, neurodivergence (including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder), substance use, mood disorders, relationship conflict, and emotional dysregulation. I’m especially drawn to working with clients who want to make sense of their story, process unresolved experiences, and find a more grounded, authentic way of being. I also work with couples to deepen connection, repair trust, and build more effective communication.

Therapy with me is relational, honest, and insight-driven. I aim to meet you exactly where you are, while gently encouraging growth, curiosity, and self-compassion along the way.

I primarily use psychodynamic therapy to explore how early relationships and unconscious patterns influence current behavior, emotions, and relationships. I also incorporate tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) for substance use concerns, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for emotional regulation and relational skill-building. For clients with trauma histories, I offer EMDR when clinically appropriate. My approach is adaptive and collaborative, especially with clients who may benefit from personalized pacing, structure, or support around masking and identity.

Clients can expect to leave sessions with greater self-awareness, emotional clarity, and practical tools to navigate their internal world and relationships. Whether we’re working on trauma, communication issues, neurodivergence, or emotional regulation, I help clients identify the patterns keeping them stuck and support them in building new, healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

I aim to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and challenged—in a way that promotes lasting insight and change. Over time, clients often develop a deeper understanding of their needs, increased emotional flexibility, stronger boundaries, and more confidence in their ability to speak up, connect, and make intentional choices.