Ursula Hanson, LCSW

Ursula Hanson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of practice in Maine. She has worked in community mental health agencies, private practice, non-profits, and schools. Ursula focuses on clear, practical steps to help people manage stress and anxiety and regain steady footing.

Her approach is straightforward and warm. She listens first and adapts conversations to each person's needs. Sessions are built around a person’s strengths and what matters most to them. Ursula emphasizes simple tools that can be used day to day.

Over nearly two decades she has supported people coping with relationship strain, grief, career changes, and compassion fatigue. She also helps with self-esteem, body image, forgiveness, and building self-love. Her background includes consulting with educators and offering yoga and mindfulness in elementary schools, which informs a flexible, down-to-earth style.

In session she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered methods, and mindfulness practices to address thoughts, behaviors, and present-moment awareness. Conversations aim to be practical and relevant, with homework and small experiments when useful. Ursula tailors the pace to each person’s comfort level.

People who prefer compassionate, steady support often find this approach useful. She frames progress as a series of manageable steps rather than instant fixes. Ursula encourages honest conversation and works with clients to set realistic goals and track small wins.

Approaches you can use in online sessions

Client-centered work centers on understanding the person and shaping sessions around what they say matters. This approach helps when someone needs a listening space to sort out feelings and priorities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers practical exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and build different habits, which can help with anxiety, stress, and self-esteem issues.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple awareness skills to notice thoughts and bodily sensations without getting swept away. These exercises can lower reactivity and help people return to the present when stress or grief feels overwhelming.

Choosing the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods, and adjust based on what helps most. Clients and therapist work together to find a comfortable pace and useful tools.

Online options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. Video lets people read facial cues and maintain a closer feel to in-person meetings. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and can be easier during a busy day. Live chat or text messaging can be useful for brief check-ins, journaling prompts, or ongoing support between sessions. These formats make scheduling more flexible and can fit therapy into work, school, or family routines.