Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Dorsher, LPC, NCC, EMDR.
Hi Hannah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Initially, during college, I planned to get my bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of going to medical school to become an oncologist. However, halfway through my sophomore year, I had a change of heart. I attended a presentation put on by the local police about substance abuse and realized I had a strong interest in substances and how they affect people and their lives. At this time, I was also an avid “Intervention” watcher. It seemed to click all at once that I could be a substance abuse counselor and help individuals and families affected by substance abuse. This put me on the path to getting my bachelor’s in psychology and then I went on to get my master’s in counseling.
I worked at various agencies involving substance use (a residential rehabilitation center for teens, a 24/7 crisis center, and helped start a suboxone clinic for opiate abuse). After a few years of being in the substance abuse arena, I ended up taking a job at a group private practice where I was able to work with a large variety of clients—beyond substance abuse issues. It was here that I recognized a passion and talent for helping people with attachment issues, trauma, self-esteem, and anxiety. I also started learning more about attachment styles and emotional abuse in relationships. Through my learning therapy and mentorship, I was able to examine certain relationships in my own life and make truly life-saving changes. My passion for helping others do the same ignited! Once I got married and then quickly got pregnant, I desperately wanted control of my schedule to prioritize my family, and I wanted the freedom to niche down in my specialties.
So, in June 2020, right in the thick of COVID, I decided to leave my job at the group practice and start my private practice! I have NO regrets. None! Starting my own business has been the biggest source of freedom professionally and financially. I love the ability to choose my specialties, invest in developing my skillset in those areas, and build my schedule around my life (instead of the other way around), and I get the freedom with coaching to expand my client base and be creative in the ways I choose to help women. I leave each day feeling energized by my work and truly grateful for my clients and their trust in me to help them achieve their goals.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the biggest struggle for me has been my fear of the unknown and dealing with the anxiety I have at times. Initially starting my practice was scary as I had never done anything like this before. I wasn’t sure if I would be successful or not, but the potential benefits outweighed the potential cons in my opinion, and I took the leap of faith!
Also, I’ve taken two maternity leaves (each almost five months long) since starting my business. Each time I have had to make plans for each client as part of their continuation of care plan which is a lot of work. Once I’ve come back from maternity leave it has been challenging to trust that I will get busy again as it takes some time to rebuild my caseload.
However, both times I have returned to being full and busy within a few months! I’m sure life will find a way to continue giving me opportunities to work on my anxiety as I keep growing my business!
As you know, we’re big fans of Hannah Dorsher Counseling. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I own a private mental health therapy business in which I primarily specialize in helping people with attachment issues, breaking toxic relationship patterns, anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma. I also love working with moms who want to make sure they are creating secure attachments with their children while healing their attachment wounds.
I also am starting up my coaching business as well. I am excited about helping moms revive their identity after having children and improve their sense of self-confidence, power, and lust for life. I will be hosting a retreat for moms in the next fall (2024) and am so excited to get to dive in deep with these ladies! I also create guidebooks, workbooks, journals, and cards of a mental health variety to help people with their self-work.
I will be releasing a course to help people heal their anxious attachment styles this year as well. I plan on releasing additional courses in the future as well–The courses will range in topics from attachment to identity and will mostly be self-led with options to book individual or group coaching calls with me to accompany the course. By offering a variety of different ways to access therapy, coaching, and information I hope to make this type of growth more accessible.
I think what I am most proud of in my business is watching clients transform their lives in so many exciting and impactful ways. One of the things I love watching is when clients make healthy, positive changes and choices in their relationships with others and with themselves.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Fort Collins! I love that it has so many things to do outside and in the community. There are tons of things to do with my kids in the community and also fun places to go with my husband for dates.
I love that Fort Collins is so close to Denver! We love to come down to Denver to concerts, sporting events, etc. I also love how bike-friendly it is here. I think I least like that we have had bad air quality due to fires in the last few years. I also feel like traffic is a bit out of control sometimes.
Pricing:
- $175/45 minute session
- $225/60 minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hannahdorshercounseling.com
- Instagram: @healing_with_hannah
