Today we’d like to introduce you to Ally Hanneke.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was one of those “weird” kids that was always fascinated by people, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something in the field of mental health. I remember taking my first psychology class in high school and my mind was completely blown. However, for me, high school was an especially difficult time where I felt powerless. Most people would probably agree that high school can be the WORST. It was my personal experience of multiple traumas during this time that would shape me and become my biggest drive for getting me where I am now as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I wanted to help others the way I so desperately needed help at this time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have always struggled with self-confidence which is part of why I am so passionate about helping others feel more confident in who they are. Losing my dad at age 14 and living with a single mom who worked 12-hour shifts as a nurse, I was often alone and left with little guidance and support. As a teenage girl, it was incredibly hard to develop self-esteem without the understanding and support of parents. On top of that, I struggled with ADHD and depression, which only reinforced negative beliefs that I was not good enough. I am so incredibly grateful to have found the support I needed at my lowest point which set me on my current path. Although it has been a bumpy road, I have developed a profound sense of strength and resilience, which in turn allows me to have endless empathy and understanding for my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ally Hanneke Therapy?
My greatest passion is to help people feel empowered. We are sent so many messages about how we are supposed to look, act, feel, and they often don’t align with our most authentic self. I work with my clients to unlearn these messages and learn to love who they really are. My clients are mostly individuals who have experienced trauma that has made it difficult to be their most authentic self. Trauma that comes in all shapes and sizes, not just a significant life event, but sometimes an accumulation of multiple smaller ones as well. I use CBT and EMDR to challenge any negative thoughts, reprocess old trauma, and discover tools to face whatever comes their way. I also love working with teens due to my own experience as one. They are facing some of the hardest challenges of all right now and really need extra support.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am absolutely a product of my support system. My wonderful friends, partners, colleagues, and therapists have all contributed to my ability to show up in my work and in the world. A lot of healing is done in our relationships, and every person in my life was a part of that process for me. I can also say that you cannot truly have understanding for your clients as a therapist if you have not sat on the other side of the couch. My relationship with my own therapist taught me so much about myself, my relationships, and the power of therapy and feeling truly seen.
Contact Info:
- Email: allyhanneketherapy@gmail.com
- Website: allyhanneke.com
- Instagram: empoweredtherapy_
