Special Interests:
Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Nervous System Recovery, Shame, Self Regulation & Safety, Stress, Authentic Self Expression.
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Hannah Westphal is a Neuroscientist, Felt Sense Practitioner, and Educator, dedicated to helping individuals overcome trauma, addiction, and emotional challenges. She combines cutting-edge neuroscience with somatic practices and creative expression to create a compassionate and personalised approach to healing. Hannah’s work integrates scientific precision with heart, empowering her clients to break free from trauma and reconnect with their authentic selves.
Her career spans diverse settings, from addiction recovery centers in Thailand to somatic movement therapy programs in Portugal, where she co-designed an innovative rehabilitation program blending neuropsychological insights with mindfulness and social reintegration. As a trained therapeutic photographer, she has also led projects using creative expression to help individuals confront shame and trauma, enabling them to reclaim their sense of empowerment.
Now part of The Forbes Clinic’s interdisciplinary team, Hannah offers both long-term Felt Sense Polyvagal Model sessions and short-term neuro-psychoeducation, providing a holistic, client-centered approach that supports lasting transformation.
Hannah Westphal holds a BSc in Neuroscience from Aston University, where she graduated with first-class honours. Her research, which explored how the cerebellum influences the prefrontal cortex and limbic system in drug addiction, earned her the Best Research Project award in 2020. This ground-breaking work has contributed to her deep understanding of the brain’s role in behaviour and recovery.
In addition to her neuroscience degree, Hannah is a certified Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM) Practitioner and has trained in therapeutic photography. Her diverse experiences in addiction recovery, somatic movement therapy, and the co-design of rehabilitation programs have shaped her holistic, scientific, and empathetic approach to supporting clients on their healing journeys.


Our services aim to support the body's natural healing processes and improve overall health and well-being. However, we do not guarantee a cure for any condition or disease. The content of our website is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Practitioners at The Forbes Clinic do not diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medications. Our care should not replace engagement with your primary care provider and our services are not intended for emergency or urgent care. You should contact your primary care provider or emergency services in the case of an acute or emergent medical event or mental health crisis.

