Hannah Amundson, MSW, LSW
|
Master of Arts
To make an appointment with Hannah, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email [email protected].
Specializes In:Depression, Couples, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Self-Esteem, Faith-Based Counseling, Grief/Bereavement, Trauma
Ages Served: Children and Adolescents (6+), Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults |
Professional Experience
I received my Bachelors Degree from Cedarville University (Bachelors in Social Work - BSW) and my Masters Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (Masters in Social Work - MSW). During my time in my Bachelors Degree I completed internships in both a family violence prevention center and shelter as well as an internship in hospital social work and case management both for general populations but also for mothers and families in the birthing center going through hardship, substance abuse, or family conflicts. During my time in my Masters program I worked doing grief groups for kids in schools during the school day (ages K-12) as well as both general and specific grief groups for adults in the evenings. I am a licensed social worker.
Specializations and Treatment Approach
I currently treat:
Depression
Anxiety
Couples
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Self-Esteem
Trauma
Grief/Bereavement
Faith-Based Counseling
In my practice I am ready and able to work with a wide range of presenting problems or age ranges. I love working with kids ages 6+ as well as with couples and adults. I would describe my approach as a combination between CBT, ACT, Faith-Based Counseling, and a Humanistic approach. I emphasize the client’s ability to make their own decisions and be their own change in their lives. I encourage and guide clients in finding areas that are within their control to change and find ways to follow through with that change that work for them while practicing self-regulation and self-care techniques when confronted with situations in which we don’t have control.
I use evidence based activities and treatments of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which takes the approach that our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions can all impact each other. With CBT we will do activities in which we learn to take control and change our patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I also incorporate components of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) in which we work on understanding our emotions, reactions, and values, learn to accept them, and then move forward by identifying certain values that you want to commit to exercising more in your life and changing our behavior to meet that goal. Next, I incorporate Humanistic Therapy which holds the perspective that the client is the expert in their own life and story while we work on discovering what brings life meaning for them and empowering the client to realize they have the power to change their own story for their life. Lastly, I am qualified and ready for Faith-Based/Christian counseling. With this approach, when appropriate, we would combine the evidence based practices with prayer and scripture to bring about lasting change and encourage the client in aligning with their beliefs.
My job with the grief groups in schools helped me learn crucial skills and flexibility when working with kids and meeting them in their energy and creativity, while we used activities that had CBT, ACT, and Humanistic influences to best meet the kids in their strengths and encourage change. While at my job at the hospital I practiced these same skills of empowering the clients in their own strengths, decision making, and working towards their own goals.
While working with me you’ll find that I’m casual and authentic so please come as you are and don’t be surprised if you find me in nicer clothes one day and jeans the next. I’m encouraging and a non judgmental listener, but I will strive to always encourage and guide you towards change. I take the perspective of “come as you are, but let's not stay there.” At the end of the day, I believe that our success in a therapeutic relationship is dependent on mutual respect, honesty, and a commitment from both of us to moving forward together in treatment.
Depression
Anxiety
Couples
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Self-Esteem
Trauma
Grief/Bereavement
Faith-Based Counseling
In my practice I am ready and able to work with a wide range of presenting problems or age ranges. I love working with kids ages 6+ as well as with couples and adults. I would describe my approach as a combination between CBT, ACT, Faith-Based Counseling, and a Humanistic approach. I emphasize the client’s ability to make their own decisions and be their own change in their lives. I encourage and guide clients in finding areas that are within their control to change and find ways to follow through with that change that work for them while practicing self-regulation and self-care techniques when confronted with situations in which we don’t have control.
I use evidence based activities and treatments of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which takes the approach that our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions can all impact each other. With CBT we will do activities in which we learn to take control and change our patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I also incorporate components of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) in which we work on understanding our emotions, reactions, and values, learn to accept them, and then move forward by identifying certain values that you want to commit to exercising more in your life and changing our behavior to meet that goal. Next, I incorporate Humanistic Therapy which holds the perspective that the client is the expert in their own life and story while we work on discovering what brings life meaning for them and empowering the client to realize they have the power to change their own story for their life. Lastly, I am qualified and ready for Faith-Based/Christian counseling. With this approach, when appropriate, we would combine the evidence based practices with prayer and scripture to bring about lasting change and encourage the client in aligning with their beliefs.
My job with the grief groups in schools helped me learn crucial skills and flexibility when working with kids and meeting them in their energy and creativity, while we used activities that had CBT, ACT, and Humanistic influences to best meet the kids in their strengths and encourage change. While at my job at the hospital I practiced these same skills of empowering the clients in their own strengths, decision making, and working towards their own goals.
While working with me you’ll find that I’m casual and authentic so please come as you are and don’t be surprised if you find me in nicer clothes one day and jeans the next. I’m encouraging and a non judgmental listener, but I will strive to always encourage and guide you towards change. I take the perspective of “come as you are, but let's not stay there.” At the end of the day, I believe that our success in a therapeutic relationship is dependent on mutual respect, honesty, and a commitment from both of us to moving forward together in treatment.
About Me
What are your professional and personal values?
I highly value kindness, honesty, curiosity, adaptability, and ambition. Being kind is one of my top priorities because without kindness we enter into a cycle of hurt and pain when interacting with others and with ourselves. Kindness is a super power in my opinion. Being honest is important to me because there is no other way to truly grow, heal, or be in true relationship with others or ourselves if we’re not transparent about how we’re truly doing in life, goods and bads. I value curiosity because the world is so big and people are so complex and there is always something to learn. Being curious allows me to see the world as bright and exciting instead of dreary and boring which brings new joys in life. Adaptability to me is the ability to pivot or meet the needs of new and unexpected situations. Adaptability helps me think on my feet and meet whatever new challenge that lays in front of me. Ambition to me is the drive to become better, do better, and strive to achieve your goals and continue to push even when life gets hard or in the way.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would describe myself as a learner, welcoming, authentic, enthusiastic, and responsible. I love creating and nurturing an environment that is welcoming and warm where people feel comfortable to be their authentic selves. This is the space where people feel comfortable to learn about themselves and others, and where I get to learn about those that choose to trust me in that space. I am very enthusiastic about a lot of things; tv shows, desserts, blankets, tea and coffee, and mostly about learning about people and hyping them up in their successes in life and encouraging them when life gets hard.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I love the outdoors, nature, and music. For my self care I love sitting outside on my porch reading a good book with fresh air, or at least having the windows open. I constantly have music that encourages and uplifts me. I also love to have a good cup of tea, coffee, or my favorite soda or sparkling water for a fun treat and a little pick me up.
What is your favorite quote?
One of my favorite quotes is “Be curious, not judgmental” from the Ted Lasso TV show. This quote aligns really well with my values and how I strive to move through life with curiosity and learning instead of weighing myself and others down in judgement. This applies to my work as well of loving to have conversations with people and really learn about what they’re going through and how they’re overcoming and learning from their barriers, struggles, and pains in life.
What’s the most profound, meaningful, or interesting thing you’ve learned or experienced as a mental health professional? Why do you love being a mental health professional?
The most meaningful thing that I have learned as a mental health professional is that some of my clients have been some of the most persevering and kind people that I have ever met. Some of them have really been through a lot in their lives and it takes courage to ask for help and even more self control to remain kind through it all. I feel so honored and proud that I get to choose to step into those moments with them and walk through their ups and downs together. My clients inspire and encourage me to remember that asking for help is always an option and never shameful, and that kindness is always needed. I love being a part of that lasting change and knowing that I helped another person learn skills to help them live a healthier life who hopefully shares that knowledge with others. I strive to be a part of that ripple effect that helps the world be a better place one person at a time.
What led you to become a therapist?
Growing up I saw and knew a lot of people that struggled within themselves with others and would have benefited from being able to talk and explore those struggles in a safe environment and with someone who had the skills to really help them through those times. As I grew up and began to learn about myself more, I realized that I wanted to be one of those people and create an environment for just that.
I highly value kindness, honesty, curiosity, adaptability, and ambition. Being kind is one of my top priorities because without kindness we enter into a cycle of hurt and pain when interacting with others and with ourselves. Kindness is a super power in my opinion. Being honest is important to me because there is no other way to truly grow, heal, or be in true relationship with others or ourselves if we’re not transparent about how we’re truly doing in life, goods and bads. I value curiosity because the world is so big and people are so complex and there is always something to learn. Being curious allows me to see the world as bright and exciting instead of dreary and boring which brings new joys in life. Adaptability to me is the ability to pivot or meet the needs of new and unexpected situations. Adaptability helps me think on my feet and meet whatever new challenge that lays in front of me. Ambition to me is the drive to become better, do better, and strive to achieve your goals and continue to push even when life gets hard or in the way.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would describe myself as a learner, welcoming, authentic, enthusiastic, and responsible. I love creating and nurturing an environment that is welcoming and warm where people feel comfortable to be their authentic selves. This is the space where people feel comfortable to learn about themselves and others, and where I get to learn about those that choose to trust me in that space. I am very enthusiastic about a lot of things; tv shows, desserts, blankets, tea and coffee, and mostly about learning about people and hyping them up in their successes in life and encouraging them when life gets hard.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I love the outdoors, nature, and music. For my self care I love sitting outside on my porch reading a good book with fresh air, or at least having the windows open. I constantly have music that encourages and uplifts me. I also love to have a good cup of tea, coffee, or my favorite soda or sparkling water for a fun treat and a little pick me up.
What is your favorite quote?
One of my favorite quotes is “Be curious, not judgmental” from the Ted Lasso TV show. This quote aligns really well with my values and how I strive to move through life with curiosity and learning instead of weighing myself and others down in judgement. This applies to my work as well of loving to have conversations with people and really learn about what they’re going through and how they’re overcoming and learning from their barriers, struggles, and pains in life.
What’s the most profound, meaningful, or interesting thing you’ve learned or experienced as a mental health professional? Why do you love being a mental health professional?
The most meaningful thing that I have learned as a mental health professional is that some of my clients have been some of the most persevering and kind people that I have ever met. Some of them have really been through a lot in their lives and it takes courage to ask for help and even more self control to remain kind through it all. I feel so honored and proud that I get to choose to step into those moments with them and walk through their ups and downs together. My clients inspire and encourage me to remember that asking for help is always an option and never shameful, and that kindness is always needed. I love being a part of that lasting change and knowing that I helped another person learn skills to help them live a healthier life who hopefully shares that knowledge with others. I strive to be a part of that ripple effect that helps the world be a better place one person at a time.
What led you to become a therapist?
Growing up I saw and knew a lot of people that struggled within themselves with others and would have benefited from being able to talk and explore those struggles in a safe environment and with someone who had the skills to really help them through those times. As I grew up and began to learn about myself more, I realized that I wanted to be one of those people and create an environment for just that.
