We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Hahn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Fredericksburg, Texas which is nestled in the beautiful Hill Country. Growing up in a small German town where all of my family resided provided wonderful opportunities to be raised alongside my extended family. Traditions were very important to us and actively nurtured. We also spent a lot of time on our family ranch in Doss, Texas exploring nature and being able to utilize our creative brain to engage in exploration and develop our sense of curiosity.

Being able to be raised alongside my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in a small community environment, I was taught the value of a collectivistic culture and familial connections. This experience also exposed me to the roles that systems play in our lives and how that can affect/effect us when life provides both happiness and hardship. Therefore, when a family tragedy occurred while I was in the 4th grade, it solidified my desire to become a counselor in hopes to help people realize there can be hope behind the darkness and families struggling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As previously mentioned, my love for the counseling began in the 4th grade after experiencing a family tragedy. Since then, I have felt a calling to serve others who are experiencing hardship, pain, and/or suffering. I took my first introduction to psychology course when I was a junior in high school through a dual credit program. This experience further solidified my interest in the profession and my dedication to learning the field has been unwavering since.

I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, obtained a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Development, and completed my studies by earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. In order to become a fully licensed mental health counselor (Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC]), you must do more than obtain the educational experience and are required experiential learning via practicums, internships, and then the required 3000 post-graduate hours in the field as an associate-level counselor. It was during these times I gained invaluable skills in the field working with a wide variety of diagnoses/dual diagnoses in varying settings (outpatient, inpatient, and residential).

Since becoming fully licensed, I’ve also become a board-approved supervisor for other LPC-Associates, specialized in treating trauma/complex trauma, as well as earned my Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy certificate to integrate these techniques into sessions, if desired. After completing my PhD, I worked at the University level teaching graduate-level counseling students. It was during this time I realized I missed my passion to work client-facing with individuals and co-opened a private practice in 2017. In 2021 I decided I wanted to open my own practice, therefore leaving my position as co-owner of the practice I was currently in and opened Hahn Counseling Services in January 2022. The journey to launching my private practice has been pretty smooth and extremely fulfilling.

The concept of Hahn Counseling Services is being able to fully understand each individual is on a unique journey in life and the significance of this transformative process while working towards healing. Personally, I believe in the importance of the healing/relational connection and do not take it lightly when a person comes in and trusts me to join them on their journey. I am a holistic counselor who believes in the mind/body connection and treating each client as a whole.

The logo for Hahn Counseling Services is a butterfly to showcase the unique process and journey. For instance, during the counseling experience, an individual may feel as if they cannot go on any longer in making the necessary changes for the betterment of their life just like a caterpillar that cocoons continues to transform while under pressure and hardship to bloom into a butterfly.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dallas provides some of the most exciting opportunities to create fulfilling and lasting memories. I’d be eager to take visitors to a sporting event (Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, or Dallas Cowboys), to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, take a walk on the Katy Trail (stopping by the Katy Ice House), as well as pet animals at Sea Quest. As for meals, we would explore Yolk and Honey Berry for breakfast, and then the following for lunch or dinner, True Food, Neighborhood Services, Mi Cocina, Rise N*1, and Shinsei.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many individuals who have played a large role in my success today. First and foremost I’d like to acknowledge my parents, James and Cheryl Hahn, for never faltering in their support for me and being a foundational rock. Immeasurable admiration goes to my parents who have been my number one supporters my entire life. Following my parents and in order of influence in my life as I grew up, I’d like to express my gratitude for Coach Randall King, my tennis coach, as he has been a huge role model in my life and someone who helped me to develop a sense of hard work ethic, a tenacious spirit, and dedication to passions in life. I’d then like to recognize and give my thankfulness to Drs. Thomas Dougherty and Robert Barnes (aka: Dr. Bob) who believed in all my educational hopes and dreams and inspired me to further my education. Dr. Dougherty was pivotal in getting me where I am today as he discovered all my potential and provided me with outstanding opportunities that allowed me to begin to create my path within the counseling field. Dr. Bob has been a driving force in my success. His zest and passion for the counseling profession is motivating and he has deeply inspired me.

Website: www.hahncs.com

Image Credits
Ivy Reyes Photography Catelyn Damon Photography Indian Hills Marketing & Design

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