Natalie is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. In her clinical practice, Natalie draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Natalie works with adolescents, adults, couples, and family structures experiencing stressful transitions including the life transitions, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, grief, trauma, sexual challenges and relationship issues. Natalie’s clinical interests include perinatal and reproductive health and she is pursuing certification in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). She obtained her master’s at Simmons University in Social Work with a certification in Mental Health Practice. Read Natalie’s full bio here.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a psychotherapist?
I have always found the interaction of our unique schemas and intersectionalities with our shared human experiences incredibly interesting. Throughout my life I would find connection and comfort in relating to and helping those around me. With my own experience in therapy, I grew to realize how important understanding, compassion and support is to both our individual and collective mental health. This led me to pursue a career as a psychotherapist and embark on a path that I find to be deeply valuable and fulfilling in my life.
As a psychotherapist, what part of your job is most satisfying?
The most satisfying part of being a psychotherapist is the moment when a client starts to reframe maladaptive mindsets that initially were difficult to navigate on their own. But it is also the moment when a client starts to let down any guards and open up in session. Developing rapport and trust between therapist and client is rewarding in itself and the bedrock of a client’s therapeutic journey.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach?
I am client-centered and use a strength-based and systemic framework. I aim to cultivate a compassionate, warm, creative and genuine therapeutic space for clients to open up and explore issues at their own pace. While talk therapy is the foundation of my approach, I use other techniques like mindfulness practices, handouts/worksheets, or interactive therapeutic games when appropriate to and desired by a given client.
Why do you believe that psychotherapy can help?
I believe that in order to find adaptive change in one’s life it is important to work towards a space of self-acceptance and love. As we are social creatures, I strongly believe that this is best achieved when an individual feels understood, safe and supported. Unfortunately, finding this space is not always consistent or even attainable. A healthy therapeutic relationship can create this space while the therapist provides perspective and tools with a judgment-free and compassionate ear.
What are some of your specialties and what drew you to them?
I really enjoy working with those experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, and those trying to navigate their own self-discovery and identity. I love seeing a client actively work towards a place of confidence and empowerment by untangling a web of cognitive distortions developed from societal norms/pressures and life experiences. I am drawn to these specialities due to my own life and therapeutic experiences. I also am witnessing the prevalence of these topics not being addressed on macro/mezzo/micro levels and can see how it leads to poorer mental health across the spectrum of identities and intersectionalities.
What is one thing about psychotherapy you wish everyone knew?
Therapy is what you make it! I have noticed that sometimes there are expectations that therapy is about a therapist waving the proverbial wand and “fixing” you. Instead, therapy is a collaboration catered to every individual. I see therapy as a process of guiding a client towards their own power and at their own pace. Some weeks you might not feel like working on self-care. Sometimes you might not want to feel vulnerable. Or maybe some weeks you do not feel improvements. That’s okay! Therapy is personal, takes time and is not linear. But it can be healing when there is trust in the process as well as a proper match with a therapist.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
My favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. A central theme in the book is the Hebrew word timshel, which translates to “thou mayest”. This concept is important to me because it reminds me of my own free will, especially when I feel vulnerable, stuck and/or anxious. With this word I believe that seeking therapy, self-awareness, self-discovery and/or self-growth can be a critical choice that we can make to feel empowered and fulfilled in our own lives.
What are your favorite self-care activities?
Cuddling with my cats and going to the movies solo are probably my most utilized self-care activities. Being in nature, reading a book, trying a new activity and going on a trip are also some of my favorite ways to reset.
