You can make a mistake and take ownership of it. It will only make things easier for you in the future.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Hannah Mayderry.
Hannah Mayderry is a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Philosophie Therapy, an online therapy practice based in Florida. Hannah specializes in therapy for anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, and LGBTQ+ concerns. Working within her own practice allows her to find balance in her personal life while also pursuing her passion.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Ihave always been fascinated with emotions — likely because I feel them so deeply myself. I grew up in a rural town with a strong backbone of traditional gender roles. In my childhood, I encountered messages the depth of my emotions was a sign of inferiority. Had I listened to these messages, I may have found myself ignoring what I now believe to be my greatest strength. My emotions, when correctly identified, are signals that guide me through life. My emotions allow me to connect with other people and identify my personal goals.
This personal realization sparked my fascination with human behavior. I pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology and quickly realized I wanted to own my own therapy practice. After seven years of school and three years of supervised clinical experience, I am now the proud owner of my very own practice, Philosophie Therapy. I cannot imagine doing any other job. I wake up every day excited to have meaningful conversations with incredible people.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
It is difficult to pinpoint one professional experience as the most interesting. From the onset of my career, I’ve found myself deeply inspired by the resilience of the clients I work with. Their resilience is genuinely awe-inspiring. Every day, I get to walk beside individuals who, despite facing some of life’s toughest blows, find the strength and determination to persevere. Their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs are testaments to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome. Each client not only enriches my professional experience but also offers me invaluable life lessons, broadening my perspective and deepening my appreciation for the multifaceted nature of the human experience.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When a therapist begins practicing, they are surrounded by supervisors who are there to ensure they are providing the best possible care to their clients. Personally, I stepped into the field with a profound fear of authority figures. While many of my supervisors were compassionate and had the best intentions, I’ve encountered a few who were quite challenging. When asked to follow guidance that I believed to be harmful, I had to learn to assertively say ‘no’ when necessary and to articulate my clinical perspectives with confidence.
This took a lot of time. I spent far too long being preoccupied with the perceptions of other people instead of trusting my clinical intuition. The main takeaway from this phase of my career was the realization of the importance of self-trust. It was important for me to value external feedback but equally important to value my own knowledge, skills, and insights. I learned to find my voice. This not only assisted in my professional growth but also highlighted the importance of balancing external guidance with internal wisdom.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
There are so many things happening in the world that are outside of my reach. I find fulfillment in caring for elements of the world that are within my grasp. Being a therapist and private practice owner allows me to provide a safe space for people to process and build resilience against life’s challenges. Although I cannot prevent all of the pain that exists in the world, I can help those I encounter who are harmed by it.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1 . Identify your emotions. Ex: When overwhelmed by a sudden rush of emotion during a conversation, pause to ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now? Was there a specific comment that triggered this?” This promotes self-awareness and personal growth.
2 . Stop Saying “I Don’t Know.” Ex: When someone asks your opinion on a topic or decision at a meeting and your initial response is “I don’t know,” take a moment to consider your stance and voice your thoughts, even if you are uncertain. Doing this encourages listening to your internal voice, instead of accepting the opinions of others.
3 . Express Your Wants and Needs. Ex: If a friend or partner consistently makes plans without consulting you, rather than feeling sidelined, communicate with them: “I value our time together and would appreciate being involved in the planning process. It’s important for me that we choose activities that we both enjoy.” This will lead to greater relationship satisfaction.
4 . Invest in Joy. Ex: If there is a place or activity you enjoy, carve time out for it. Even 10 minutes a day has the potential for significant improvements in your mental health.
5 . Eliminate Sources of Discontentment: Ex: If there is a person or place that consistently leads to you feeling stuck or unhappy, consider ways to limit your time around them or eliminate them from your life all together. This will create a sense of empowerment and improvements in overall life satisfaction.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I envision a widespread shift toward prioritizing self-awareness and genuine self-expression. This emphasis would urge individuals to pause, to look inward, and to truly understand their emotions, motivations, and desires. By deepening our self-awareness, we can navigate life with more clarity and intention, recognizing our triggers and celebrating our strengths.
When people can embrace and communicate their true selves, the ripple effects are profound: heightened mental well-being, more genuine and understanding interpersonal relationships, and a richer, more fulfilling personal journey. Imagine a world where every individual is both deeply self-aware and unafraid to express their true self. I would like to live in that world and I think my clients would too.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
1. There is no seamless career trajectory.
2. Even the most successful people doubt themselves and experience hardship.
3. It is okay to not know the best course of action. That is when you consult.
4. You can make a mistake and take ownership of it. It will only make things easier for you in the future.
5. Sometimes, just holding space for someone who is hurting is enough.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is something I am deeply passionate about. With the right resources, support, and awareness, individuals can learn to manage their emotions, cope with stress, and make choices that benefit their psychological well-being. There’s an empowerment in knowing that many aspects of mental health can be influenced by our actions and decisions. By prioritizing our own mental well-being, we not only improve our quality of life but also positively impact those around us.
Moreover, when communities are educated about mental health, they can create environments where individuals feel supported and understood. This, in turn, can lead to a more compassionate society where people understand the importance of mental well-being, not just for themselves but for everyone.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
You can learn more about me and my services on my website: https://www.philosophietherapy.com. I post regular blogs and offer free phone consultations for anyone in the state of Florida interested in starting therapy.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
