Hanna Stensby (she/her)

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy is a type of trauma-informed therapy that harnesses the brain’s natural healing process. It helps people who have experienced disturbing events to move forward without feeling pulled back into the experience with every reminder of the situation. EMDR is different from other trauma counseling because it doesn’t require detailed accounts of the disturbing event, exposure therapy, or hours of homework in between sessions.

The Gottman Method helps couples communicate, manage conflict, and create deeper connections using research-based tools and techniques. The Gottman method is rooted in years of research and Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning. Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts.

The basic concept of attachment theory is primary caregivers who are available and responsive to an infant's needs allow the child to develop a sense of security. The infant learns that the caregiver is dependable, which creates safety to explore the world. Hanna helps clients understand how their early attachment to their primary caregivers impacts relationships. Using an attachment perspective, Hanna helps clients take actionable steps towards feeling secure in their relationships.

I cultivate an environment of sex positivity and have worked with clients who are polyamorous and consensually non-monogamous. I use my expertise about attachment to inform my work with non-monogamous couples. I am well versed in the relationship structures and dynamics that are a part of a non-monogamous relationship. I believe that each couple has their own unique relationship and having support with communication, exploring relationship needs, boundaries, and sexuality are key.

We are all hard wired for connection and we are often not taught how to engage in relationships in a healthy way. We do what we know, and what we know comes from what we saw growing up. I help couples interrupt cycles of communication that make them feel disconnected, misunderstood, and frustrated about the relationship. I use a research based approach to highlight each partner's core needs and teach tools to shift your mindset about your partner's behavior and your relationship patterns.

I have worked with individuals, couples, and families who have experienced trauma for the past five years. During that time, I have been trained in multiple trauma-informed approaches. I have found that EMDR therapy provides the fastest relief to my clients and builds their ability to be resilient when facing future distressing situations unlike any other model of trauma therapy. It is my passion to help clients feeling stuck and who have tried talk therapy without success.

We are all hard wired for connection and we are often not taught how to engage in relationships in a healthy way. We do what we know, and what we know comes from what we saw growing up. I help couples interrupt cycles of communication that make them feel disconnected, misunderstood, and frustrated about the relationship. I use a research based approach to highlight each partner's core needs and teach tools to shift your mindset about your partner's behavior and your relationship patterns.