Gina Hanley, LMHC, LCMHC

I am a Mental Health Counselor, practicing in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the founder of Self First Counseling, PLLC. I have had the pleasure to work with a range of individuals across my career. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University in Behavior and Health and later received my Master of Science degree at Salem State University in Mental Health Counseling Psychology. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, alcohol use, stress, and relationship/family issues. I am a certified clinician and supervisor in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA), an evidence based approach to working with adolescents and young adults who struggle with substance use. My approach to counseling is client centered. I believe it is important to meet my clients where they are at and collaborate around goals of counseling. I have previous experience working in settings such as residential programs, intensive in-home services, and within medical settings. I find it important to build an alliance with my clients where we can work together and I can support my clients in making strides towards completing their identified goals. I believe strongly in highlighting strengths and keeping a strength-based attitude throughout treatment. I believe that we are all unique and, therefore, one technique does not fit all. I feel strongly that counseling can support us when we are in a difficult place, but also when we are doing well. It’s important to have support from others and be able to continue to make progress so we can always be a better version of ourselves than we were the day before. Set-backs and struggles are all a part of life, change, and success. I am here to provide education, support, validation, encouragement, and new ideas in order to help my clients achieve the success and change they are looking for. Your journey of self starts here.