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What to Expect

I understand it can be difficult to open up and be vulnerable when doing psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. My intention is for therapy to be an agent of change that sparks curiosity about yourself and who you are becoming. And to be an opportunity for you to think about your experiences in new and unexpected ways.

Most psychoanalysts, including myself, have a deep love and respect for the process that comes from having been through it ourselves, and we experience its impact in all aspects of our lives. I know this is true for me.

In every session, I bring the depth of my 25+ years of experience and studies in relational and developmental psychology, attachment theory, and trauma – including the trauma of being othered by mainstream society – mood disorders, and dreams.

I also bring my own lived experience of growing up working-class. I’ve had many jobs, from painting to waiting tables. But what changed the course of my life was my work as a writing tutor in college. For three years, I supported students with telling their stories so they could recognize their experiences were valid, and worthy of telling, and in fact, critical to be known. I don’t remember my college classes as much as I remember this work.

I share this with you because choosing a therapist is bedrock to the therapy endeavor. It’s important you feel like you land with someone who helps you feel seen and has some connection to what you are going through, and have been through. I will listen and ask questions while providing feedback so you can develop your understanding of who you really are. While this work can be uncomfortable at times (and even dreadful!), you should always feel fundamentally supported and in good hands. It’s also a space where we can have some fun, develop inside jokes, and reflect on the good stuff that’s happening in your life, too.

Professional Degrees and Training

  • Certificate in Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC). 2021.
  • Certificate in Trauma-Informed Interventions, UC Berkeley Extension Program. 2014.
  • PhD in Clinical Psychology, Wright Institute, Berkeley, California. 2000.
  • Predoctoral/Postdoctoral Internship UCSF/Mount Zion Psychotherapy Clinic. San Francisco, California. 1998-2000.
  • BA in Psychology, UC Santa Cruz. 1990.

Professional Affiliations

  • California State License PSY18632
  • California Psychological Association
  • San Francisco Psychological Association
  • Alameda County Psychological Association
  • Division of Psychoanalysis (DIV39) APA

Testimonials

  • I have been seeing Dr. Hannah Wedgley Nystrom for 6 years. With her help, I have been able to completely transform my life. I came to her at a time of desperation--nothing in life was going well. I was in a toxic relationship, 50 pounds overweight, flunking several of my college courses, in a deep mental fog, ridden with tremendous anxiety and lost in a deep depression. Needless to say--things were not going my way. Hannah helped me learn to manage life. I was able to leave the relationship, create a balanced work and school schedule that helped me graduate with a 4.0 in my final semester. I was able to find a great job far beyond my expectations. I stopped jumping from relationship to relationship and found the love of my life. We have been married for 2 years and have a beautiful 3 month daughter.  I am so grateful to Dr. Hannah Wedgley Nystrom to helping me create the life I now live.

    Anonymous Female, 2009

  • It feels a little cheap to "review" Hannah here, but this is the time we live in I suppose.  So here is your advantage people, I "chose" Hannah because she was the person my insurance told me to call. Lucky for me she is just an amazing person, who helped me (slowly) transform my life. Your advantage is that I can tell you that she is an amazing therapist, woman, and person and save you the pain of having to just guess blindly.  Hannah listens so carefully, that your "hour" really means a lot more to the process than you think it might. I saw Hannah for about five years. I came to her in a bit of a crisis and can truly say I had no intention for staying as long as I did. It's not often that you meet someone so dedicated to their work, and Hannah is one of those people. She is just the kindest person, and helped me profoundly, but it took time. I really just love her and can't recommend her highly enough, if you have the courage to call someone, I applaud you and you are not going to do any better than Hannah.  I could easily list an impressive list of boxes I have checked since I met Hannah, but what's really more important is how I feel on the inside, and I feel great and have for years.

    Anonymous Male, 2015

  • Hannah and I worked together for 4 years towards the middle of my life - our work together has changed the direction of my life for the better in the deepest and most profound of ways.  Her style is warm, empathic, approachable, and to the point - she has a very skilled way of helping you find answers to questions you may not have been asking.  I cannot recommend her enough!  I began my work with Hannah when I was going through an abrupt change to a multi-decade relationship and reeling from the severe trauma of the drawn out break up that followed.  I had been seeking a therapist to guide me through the changes with my humor and grace intact.  Through the process of our work, Hannah unearthed many other of my life's traumas and helped me to face them, nurture them, and to ultimately heal from them so I would be stronger, more self-assured, and prepared for the next phase of my life.  Her style is warm, empathic, approachable, and to the point - she has a very skilled way of helping you find answers to questions you may not have been asking.  I am grateful for having been able to achieve my goals, and I cannot recommend Hannah highly enough!"

    Anonymous Female, 2021

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