Hannah Kempf
B.A., MSW, RSW
Transformation is Brave
I believe that challenges and problems we face are transformational moments in our history that guide and shape us to be who we are and who we will become.
My goal is to design an organization and program that creates space for people to unpack their life and experiences while gaining a deeper understanding of themselves. I want to help you identify what holds you back in life and prevents you from reaching your goals and dreams. Everyone experiences challenges at some point in their life and for different reasons. I like to help individuals understand the experiences that have become their story.
I want to help people reorganize their view of problems so that new ways of approaching these disturbances can emerge. After that, people begin to understand themselves and create their own solutions, while learning to let go of self-destructive patterns.
Founder, Lead Counsellor
I grew up on a farm on Vancouver Island, just outside of Victoria, BC. My favourite activities growing up were riding horses, building forts and spending time hiking through the many acres of crown land surrounding our family home. I learned to navigate in the wilderness, because it was my backyard. The outdoors became an oasis and refuge from the challenges and difficulties that occurred within my family.
Through facing my own challenges and learning to persevere through distressing life circumstances, I learned to face my own mental health. Learning how to respond to myself when I was in distress. I believe that those who choose to journey with themselves, on a self-reflective and self-aware sojourn, are the bravest of all.
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Professional Background
Hannah initially completed a Bachelors of Arts degree, studying Spanish and Development Studies, before continuing onto a Masters in Clinical Social Work with a focus in Couples and Family Therapy.
During her undergrad, she was passionate about language and culture and lived in both Quito, Ecuador and Trinidad, Bolivia, studying in Ecuador and later working on a water project in the Amazon Jungle of Bolivia. This is where Hannah discovered that if people’s emotional state is ignored, than trying to address their physical needs is ineffective and often leads into a vicious cycle.
In her Masters program, Hannah studied and practiced Couples and Family Therapy, while working on the side for an Outdoor Addictions Treatment Centre focused on Adventure Therapy with At-Risk-Youth. After graduating from the Clinical Social Work program, she became interested in trauma and the impacts on individuals, families and communities. Hannah did further training that focused on the impacts of Trauma and how to heal from it.
These experiences have shaped who Hannah is as both a counsellor and social worker, which give her a unique perspective on culture, people, and herself.
Professional Registration
Hannah is a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers.
She is also a member of the BC Association of Social Workers.
Training and Courses
- Masters of Clinical Social Work, University of Calgary
- Bachelors of Arts in Spanish and Development Studies, University of Calgary
- EMDR Basic Training through an EMDRIA approved trainer
- Emotionally Focused Therapy externship with Sue Johnson
- Adventure Therapy and Nature-Based Therapy training
- Effective Outdoor Program Design and Risk Management, Wild Med Centre
- Intermediate Tandem Moving Water Canoe Instructor, Paddle Canada
- Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Raven Rescue
- 80 hour Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Medical Associates
