About Han
I am a non-judgmental, direct, and empathic psychotherapist. Clients describe me as an attentive listener, insightful analyst, engaging guide, and effective negotiator.
Han Bertrand, MTS, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
I'm a consultant and licensed psychotherapist in private practice based in Boston, Massachusetts, and hold licenses as a clinical social worker in Massachusetts (LICSW #123987), Oregon (LCSW #L14216), and Florida (LCSW #TPSW3510).
Hello! Nice to meet you.
As a dedicated psychotherapy professional, I am honored to be a member of the International Association for Psychoanalytic Self Psychology. I have had the privilege of receiving advanced training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy through postgraduate fellowships at The Danielsen Institute at Boston University and The Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Subjectivity. Additionally, I hold a Master of Social Work and a Master of Theological Studies from Boston College, where I had the opportunity to integrate clinical social work with expertise in psychology, spirituality, and mental health care. I am happy to answer your questions about me or my philosophy when we meet.
How I Work
My approach to therapy prioritizes understanding my clients' needs and creating a welcoming and safe space for their emotions. In each session, I strive to empathically understand my clients' feelings and their needs from their perspective. I listen attentively to them with an open and non-judgmental mind, without making assumptions. I create a safe space for their full range of emotions, so they don't need to hold back or take care of me. I help them get in touch with, validate, and make sense of their feelings, providing them with tools and support in the ways they need.
Why do I believe in psychotherapy?
When our needs are met, and our feelings are validated, understood, and accepted, we feel whole and connected again.
Many of my clients who have had previous therapy experiences find that my approach makes them feel more relaxed and comfortable when tuning into themselves, connecting with their feelings and memories. They often realize that all parts of themselves, regardless of how burdening or overwhelming, can be fully welcomed, accepted, and integrated.
I believe that therapy is for everyone. Therapy works when there is a secure therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. Neuroscience shows that our brain can be rewired because of the brain's neuroplasticity. This happens only when there is genuine connectedness between the therapist and the client. In that emotional connection, the brain's neurons reorganize, reconnect, and rewrite.
With enough time, the rewiring process will shift our mentality, mindset, and views to see ourselves and others in relationships. This shift is not based on any skill or tool, but on an innate capacity that has been activated, restored, and strengthened in the ongoing therapeutic relationship.