The Professionals

Karen Hahn, LCSW-C, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Child and Adult Therapist
Master of Clinical Social Work, The Catholic University of America

I practice psychotherapy from a strengths-based perspective. This is critical for helping clients maintain hope, resilience, and empowerment.

Education and Background
In addition to my Master of Social Work, I’ve completed specialized training in trauma focused therapy, attachment-based therapy, child-centered play therapy, and sand tray therapy.

An Eclectic Approach
I practice therapy with a blend of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, meditation, and other evidence-based methods to help the client find what’s best for them.

Sometimes talk therapy alone isn’t enough to bring the healing or insight clients want. When appropriate, I integrate expressive, right-brain experiences into sessions. This can include work in a sand tray, writing, painting, drawing, imagery, symbols, or music.

Everyone is multidimensional and has different needs. That’s why I practice from a holistic, biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective to provide a safe space for sessions and client work. The result is a healing environment filled with kindness, humor, and empathy.

Child & Family Therapy
I often work with children ages 3-12 and their families, especially children dealing with trauma, adoption, depression, anxiety, divorce, school refusal, low self-esteem, difficult peer and family relationships, immigration, and cross-cultural adjustments.

For children, play is their language. Toys are their words. Children express themselves and gain mastery of situations and feelings through play. To help children work through their feelings, I have a depth of experience integrating child-centered, non-directive play therapy, theraplay, sand tray therapy, bibliotherapy, and other evidence-based expressive therapies into sessions.

It takes courage for families to seek help for their children. I honor the trust that families put in me and help them sharpen their parenting skills and improve family dynamics. It takes a village to raise a child. I’m honored to be a part of that village for my clients.

Adult Therapy
I work with adults facing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, somatic symptoms with no medical explanation, feeling stuck, or sensing that something just “isn’t quite right.” More recently, I’ve also worked with health care providers and other first- responders experiencing increased stress during the COVID-19 crisis.

Personal Life
I have lived in Washington, DC since 1999, but was born and raised in Kentucky. I also lived in Sendai, Japan for 2 years in my twenties. I enjoy hiking in Rock Creek Park, playing the piano, baking, and watching college basketball. I have 2 children and a well-intentioned Wheaten Terrier.