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Vetted

Lou Hanson(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
MarylandPennsylvaniaVirginiaWashington DC
Couples counseling-Gender identity & transgender health- LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics- Relationship issues- Sexual health & dysfunction-

See Lou's Details for:

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your plan qualifies.

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Lou is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering individual and couples(+) therapy. Lou has been a Master's level clinician since 2009 and is licensed to provide services across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Clients can choose between teletherapy sessions or in-person therapy in Lou's home office in Hyattsville, MD, on the unceded lands of the Anacostan and Piscotoway peoples.

Lou personally is a member of multiple alternative lifestyles, including polyamory, which gives lived experience to thoughtfully approach Gender Sexuality and Relationship Diverse folks. Lou is also self-described neurospicy and enjoys working with neurodiverse clients. While she does not believe that membership in these communities is required to provide quality support, she appreciates that it is a preference for some individuals that their therapist share membership in those communities.

Lou is also a proud collaborating clinician for Surrogate Partner Therapy, coordinating with surrogate partners in the triadic model. In SPT, clients overcome barriers to intimacy by learning all aspects of healthy relationships experientially with a surrogate partner, as well as integrating and then generalizing those experiences with the support of the collaborating clinician.


Message to clients

In joining my clients on their therapy journey, I think of myself as a fresh set of eyes and an available set of tools with instructions. You have been with you for literally your whole life. Moving forward in models or plans that aren’t a good fit- that doesn’t serve anyone. I keep clients active throughout treatment planning to be sure that we find an approach that works for you. My educational and partnership approach keeps you up to speed and in the driver’s seat as you evolve and as your needs change. Therapy isn’t something done to someone. It is done by the self with the support of a knowledgeable and attuned professional.

I believe that the goal of all therapy is to achieve personal sustainability. I hope for all of my clients that they grow out of the need for my services by building their resources, both internal and external, so that they have the energy and resilience to manage anything that comes their way. In this age where some feel like self-care is a dirty word, so many of us need to re-learn how to attune to ourselves. We need to give ourselves permission to care for ourselves, set boundaries, and feel our feelings.

I look forward to meeting you to see if we're a fit!


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 16 years


University of Pittsburgh, MSW, 2009
Antioch College, BA, 2006

Licensure

Maryland: 28459 - Virginia: 0904014056 - Pennsylvania: CW019190 - Washington DC: LC50081478

Languages

English

Specialties

Couples counseling - Addressing relationship challenges and life transitions; strengthening communication and feelings of security, desire, connection, and love

Gender identity & transgender health - Exploring gender identity, including trans, non-binary, and gender variant identities; support throughout the process of transition

LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Sexual health & dysfunction - Addressing emotional, physical, and biological concerns related to sexual intimacy and functioning; education and skill building around topics such as erectile dysfunction, orgasms, low libido, shame, and history of abuse; improving communication to realize a fulfilling sex life




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples

Locations & Hours


Insurance

Lou Hanson is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

Get reimbursed for sessions with Lou Hanson

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your health insurance plan qualifies.

  • Individual sessions:$208 (60min)

Therapy Groups

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Raising Queer Kiddos in Threatening Times

As our sense of safety and protection shifts, it does so in layers for caregivers. Come together to ask the hard questions and feel the big feelings. Get and give support with others who are navigating the ever evolving challenges of raising queer kiddos.

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Systemic Trauma in Partnerships

Systemic trauma has a real impact on our minds, bodies, and how we relate. Come connect with others who are feeling the burden of increasing systemic trauma and navigating how it shows up in their partnerships. Inspired by Akilah Riley-Richardson.

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Professional Peer Support

If it’s a wild ride for everyone, vicarious trauma is also going to be extra these days. This group is for clinicians to come be in community. Give and get support finding balance between holding what is ours and what is theirs and coping with all of it.