Hannah Mackley

‘she/her’

Mental Health Social Worker, counsellor & COUPLES THERAPIST

At Little Window on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays.

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Childhood Studies

  • Masters of Social Work

  • Full Accreditation with AASW as Mental Health Social Worker

 

Hi, I am Hannah.

I have always been a person that is interested in the stories that make up our lives; who we are and how we came to be the person we are today. I see each individual as a beautiful tapestry of our history, the people we are in relationship with, the passions and gifts we have as well as the way our brain is uniquely wired. For me, therapy is a partnership of discovery between therapist and client; a journey of seeking, asking questions, exploring and finding. It is essential that the therapy space is safe, accepting, compassionate and hopeful. That is what I aim to bring to every interaction I have with my clients as well as towards myself and those that I come across in my own life. It is a profound privilege to be part of my clients’ journeys, for however long, to hear their stories, thoughts, experiences and emotions. I don’t come into our work together with an agenda, but aim to draw out your own personal goals, desires and needs for this time, and work together with you to achieve those.

I come to my work with a deep awareness that we are ‘whole’ people who have many ‘parts’ and are unique. Therefore, I practice in a holistic, integrated way, drawing on a variety of ideas, concepts and tools to meet your particular needs. Therapy isn’t just about the brain or mind but includes attending to our physical, relational and spiritual needs. I draw on my knowledge of attachment theory, developmental psychology, neuroscience as well as my understanding of the  social and political structures that impact how we experience the world.

I have a particular passion to support couples as they grow together and meet challenges along the way. I draw on my training in the Gottman Method and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to support couples navigating conflict or simply wanting to enhance their partnership. My role is not to take sides or give you answers, but to support you to be curious, both towards yourselves and your partner and to build your connection. From that place of compassion and connection it is far easier to find a way forward together. 

Areas of interest include: 

  • Relationships

  • Life transitions

  • Anxiety and Depression

  • Parenting challenges

  • Grief

  • Trauma

  • Identity and self-esteem

  • Body image and eating disorders

  • Faith and spirituality

Outside of work I love to be in nature playing with my young family. I enjoy reading (I am always reading several books at once!), exercising and whiling away hours talking with good friends about deep thoughts and ideas. 

Starting therapy is brave and courageous and I am so glad that you are looking to take this step. I am looking  forward to meeting you and walking with you in the next stage of your journey. 

You can read more about Mental Health Social Work here.