MENUHannah Joslin, LICSW
Hannah Joslin’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
To those who may be hurting or feeling lost in this sometimes scary world, welcome! Whether you are beyond ready to start therapy or are nervous as hell, finding a safe human to open up to can be intimidating.
Therapy with me is not about having one more person in your life telling you what’s wrong or what needs to change, because that’s not actually very therapeutic. From my observations, people often experience the most growth when they feel safe and secure in their relationships to vulnerably discuss how they are experiencing their emotions and interacting with this world. So instead of telling you what’s wrong and needs to change, I’m here to listen to your needs and goals without judgment. We will get curious about how your pain is currently impacting your life and work towards healing so that you can discover and continue to be your most true self.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, conflict in your relationships, exploring your identity (especially my fellow LGBTQIA+ humans), or feeling the impact of systematic or interpersonal oppression, I hear you and I believe you. I’ll listen, empathize, and remind you that you don’t have to face your struggles alone. I also can’t wait to laugh with you and hear about your latest TikTok obsession or the song you currently have on repeat.
My therapeutic style utilizes a person-centered approach focused on how trauma impacts the body and how systems impact people on a deeply personal level- therapy is political. I also incorporate attachment theory, somatic experiencing, and play and art therapy to help when the right words are too hard to find.
I look forward to coming alongside you in your process of healing!
I received my Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. I am currently a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate, but should shortly be receiving my fully independent license.
In my free time, I enjoy time with my close humans, my cat, and taking in the magic of the PNW forest. I’m new to the PNW, so I’m also currently exploring as much of Portland and the surrounding areas as possible!
Specialties and areas of focus
- Depression
- Anxiety
- LGBTQIA+
- Trauma
- Self-esteem
- Relationship issues
- Non-binary
- Trans
- Women
- Teens and Young Adults
Q&A with Liv
1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
My natural instincts pull me towards focusing on the deeper issue, but I recognize that people need safety, time, and readiness to go to the deeper issue. I trust you and your gut instincts. I think we’ll find a natural flow and energy that feels right for you after we spend some time getting to know each other.
2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
I’m most comfortable with following the client’s lead – you know yourself best and also deserve autonomy to decide what’s important to you in session. However, I also understand that sometimes people come to therapy and are like, how and where do I even begin unpacking this stuff? No worries, if you need me to be more directive/guiding, I definitely can! This is about what is best for your healing journey, not mine! I’m always open to feedback about what would be best for you.
3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?
I think one of my strengths is providing therapy for teens- y’all are the absolute best and I think you’re gonna change this scary world…but you shouldn’t have to do that alone. In our society, adults have a lot more power and autonomy than people under the age of 18. With me, you’re the one with the autonomy- so please, set boundaries about what you’re comfortable opening up about, ask me about confidentiality, tell me what’s important for you to work on.
I believe I’m good at putting down the “therapeutic act” and just being a human in the room with you, listening and empathizing with you, while also maintaining boundaries that are appropriate for the therapeutic relationship.
4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation. I have lots of wonderful humans who live in other states and I would love to see them more frequently.
5.) What makes you laugh?
My brother. He’s one of the funniest and most incredible humans I know.
6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
Well, this changes quite often, but my current answer would be people like Assata Shakur, bell hooks, Angela Davis, Tupac or Hozier.
—Hannah Joslin (They/She)
