Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Hatcher.
Hi Ann, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from college during a recession, so I felt lucky to find a job at all. I met my husband at my first job, and moving to Nashville to be with him was the best thing that has happened to me both personally and professionally! I grew up in the Human Resources department at HCA and had the great fortune of leading several teams, including recruiting, compensation, and executive development. Along the way, I was surrounded by supportive mentors and teams who challenged me and helped me grow. Those early experiences taught me how to listen, learn quickly, and build relationships.
My path took an interesting turn when I worked with a correctional healthcare organization. It was there that I first saw how deeply social determinants of health affect people’s mental well-being, and how pervasive substance abuse issues are in our communities. Before that, I didn’t have much exposure to mental health support beyond traditional settings like school counseling or psychiatry. Witnessing the everyday struggles of colleagues, friends, and family — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic — opened my eyes to the importance of emotional and psychological support in all our lives.
As I reflected on what I wanted the next phase of my life to look like, I realized I wanted to work directly with individuals, helping them find direction, resilience, and fulfillment. I also wanted work that was flexible. That realization led me to pursue mental health counseling — a field that feels like the right blend of purpose, service, and continuous learning.
I chose Lipscomb University’s program based on its reputation, faculty, and opportunity for in-person instruction. I chose to specialize in addiction treatment, and worked as an intern for Cumberland Heights, a nationally recognized drug and alcohol treatment center in Tennessee. I am inspired by people in recovery and the compassionate caregivers who support them. Today, I am an intern at Anomaly Therapy, a private mental health practice located in midtown Nashville. Anomaly offers individual and couples therapy, workplace wellness initiatives, and affordable care through low-fee therapy options. We treat all presenting issues/diagnoses, and tailor our clinical approach to each client, offering holistic and comprehensive care. I love being in a learning environment and getting real-life experience and feedback.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most people, my journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve had roles where the learning curve was steep, projects that didn’t go as planned, and times when I didn’t get the position I hoped for. Those experiences were tough in the moment, but they taught me resilience and helped me grow. I was grateful to work with executive coaches, leaders, and colleagues who supported me through big transitions and helped me build confidence and skills along the way.
When I decided to shift from human capital consulting to mental health, I recognized that this change wasn’t just professional — it was deeply personal. I saw a counselor myself to help navigate that transition. Letting go of something comfortable and rewarding to step into something new required reflection, patience, and trust.
Those experiences have shaped who I am today and fuel my passion for helping others through transitions — whether they involve work, relationships, identity, grief, or change. I believe there’s enormous strength in asking for support and in being open to growth even when the path isn’t clear.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a counseling intern, I provide therapy to individuals and couples. I work with a wide range of clients — from young adults navigating life transitions to parents balancing roles and work. Most of my clients focus on relationship issues, self-confidence and boundaries, identity exploration, depression or anxiety. What all my clients share, in one way or another, is a desire to understand and accept themselves for who they are, live authentically, and find meaning and purpose in their lives. That work excites me, as I am on a similar journey.
Although I’m still in the early stages of clinical training, I bring over 30 years of life experience, both as a professional and a parent. I believe that this blend — lived experience paired with fresh theoretical knowledge — enables me to connect with clients in a way that feels both grounded and empathetic. I’m passionate about helping people uncover their strengths, clarify what matters most to them, and move toward the lives they want to live.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific accolade but the ongoing trust clients place in me as they work through difficult moments and take steps toward growth.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’m carrying into 2026 — and beyond — is the value of trust. Trust is my “word” for 2026! Trusting the process of learning, trusting the support of supervisors and colleagues, trusting loved ones, trusting the Holy Spirit, and trusting that growth often comes through slowing down rather than sprinting forward. I’ve always valued independence and self-reliance, but I’m learning that strength often comes from leaning on others and listening when they offer insight, care, or perspective.
Pricing:
- As a current counseling intern, my fee for therapy is between $30 – $85, and assessed based on household income and need. A goal of Anomaly is to provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable care. The intern program is one way we get to do that. Other providers at Anomaly charge between $130 – $175 per session.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anomalytherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anomalytherapy/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anomaly-therapy/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-hatcher/
