Hanh Dang

LCSW

Although my practice utilizes a variety of modalities, as a Certified EMDR Therapist, I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), a neurobiological approach that targets difficult memories from the past that form problematic patterns contributing to current issues, such as difficulty trusting, perfectionism, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Recognizing the important role of our protective system, I also incorporate parts work to help clients learn, befriend, and develop compassion for all parts of themselves that, at times, have been in conflict and causing overwhelming internal turmoil. With the use of humanistic, mindfulness-based, and somatic techniques informed by the polyvagal theory, clients can take steps toward finding peace in the nature of impermanence and approaching life in a gentler way.

Being a Queer, Asian American therapist, I am familiar with the cultural barriers and challenges of identifying as an immigrant, a woman, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community both professionally and personally. During the darkest part of my life, I was fortunate to cross paths with healing professionals who showed me hope. Since then, I have made it my life’s mission to pass on that hope to others. I constantly strive to provide a safe, respectful, and healing space for all, especially those from underserved and marginalized communities. I am acutely aware of the collective trauma many communities are struggling with as oppressive, discriminating policies and hateful rhetoric are widespread all around us, and my hope is to be able to offer a refuge where that pain/anger/fear can be witnessed and shared and, when appropriate, turned into an energizing force to stand up and take up space once more.

I truly believe that the most effective therapeutic progress stems from a collaborative, mutually respectful process between two authentic human beings. My purpose is to be a companion and guide clients through the journey to find meaning in suffering and to take steps toward self-compassion and self-actualization. The most important thing I impress upon my clients is the fact that they are in complete control, and we move as slow or as fast as their protective/nervous system feels safe to do so. Being in control does not mean that clients have to come up with things to say in sessions as I generally have a framework of what we would work on; rather, being in control means clients can say "I don't feel like I have the energy to reprocess today" or "I don't like this intervention" or stopping trauma work to take a break, and those feedbacks would be respected and honored. I also use humor, psychoeducation, and appropriate self-disclosure to help folx understand their thoughts and behaviors, even the ones that have been labeled as "dramatic" or "overreacting", from a neuro-biological perspective and trauma-informed lens. If my values and approach to therapy resonate with you, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation to determine if we would be a good fit.