Meet Hannah Leib- Bold Journey Interview
We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Leib recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hannah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose when I was a Junior in College. I was going through a difficult time mentally, and developed anorexia (which I did not realize at the time- was an unhelpful way for me to distract myself with the uncertainty I felt about myself and my future). My friends had an intervention with me, because they saw how much I was struggling, and were worried about me. I tried to find a therapist on my college campus, but the wait was over 6 weeks. I did not know what to do- and I was wondering if other students at the Claremont Colleges were struggling with their mental health. I found the Mental Health Club on our campuses, but realized it was an advocacy group, and did not provide direct support to students. From there- I decided to create my own club, called “Thrive”. I had two freshmen students who loved my idea and wanted to help me. The goal was to create a safe space, where I would choose a topic of the week and prepare questions surrounding mental health. (For example: college parties and mental health, pressure and mental health, etc). The first meeting, no one came. So I told the two freshmen, let’s not give up, we have to keep trying to get people to come. Thrive grew, and became a wonderful space where students from all five colleges came to connect and support one another. I knew I had found my purpose- it was about helping others know they are not alone, and focus on wellbeing,
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the founder of Grow and Glow Child Therapy LA- a private practice that specializes in anxiety disorders, OCD, self-esteem, eating disorders, and divorce in children, teens, young adults, and families. I graduated from my dual Masters of Social work and Masters of Non Profit Management in 2020- and worked at an emergency domestic violence shelter program for 4 years. I worked with mother and children who identified as survivors of intimate partner violence. From there- I started my private practice: Grow and Glow Child Therapy LA in May 2023. I absolutely love what I do. I am so passionate about working with children and teens on empowering them to think about how they talk to themselves. Childhood and adolescence is a time when the brains are extremely malleable. If we do not learn the skills of how to speak kindly to ourselves in childhood, our adulthoods will be filled with self doubt and self blame. I strongly believe in stepping in early, and focusing on the importance of growing the skills to learn to challenge the inner critic. I started a self-esteem , confidence, and social skills group for middle school girls in West LA, where the focus was on standing up to bullies, healthy friendships, and how to increase positive self talk. Now- I have moved my practice to Long Beach (Belmont Heights), and have a beautiful office down here!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Belief in self, and belief in your ability to know that you are deserving. I struggled a lot with self doubt, and feeling worthy of good things happening to me. I realized that a lot of that stemmed from my own insecurities in childhood, and that is why I wish I had a therapist when I was younger. I would strongly advise people to think about what fears are holding you back, and sit with it. We have such a tendency to distract and avoid uncomfortable feelings. But if we learn to sit with it, we know we can get through it. I also think it is so important to surround yourself with people who will uplift you and inspire you. Say no to people who try and compete with you or make you feel small. Choose your friends wisely
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I would love to collaborate with others who work with children, teens, young adults, and families to any capacity. Teachers, doctors, dentists, librarians, soccer coaches, etc. Research shows that in childhood, if there is just one supportive adult (outside the family system) who believes in you, you are more likely to build resilience.
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