New to Grow
Natalie Menendez, Licensed New Jersey Psychotherapist, is known among her peers and clients as a devoted professional with a passion for the disciplines of psychology, psychotherapy, and their applications within marriage and family therapies. With extensive experience across a wide range of roles in the mental health field, Natalie brings a deep, well-rounded understanding of human behavior, emotional healing, and clinical practice to her work. Natalie’s background includes providing direct counseling, facilitating group therapy, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting individuals across diverse populations and settings. This breadth of experience allows Natalie to draw from multiple perspectives, adapt her approach to meet each client’s unique needs, and foster a compassionate, solution-focused environment. Natalie’s comprehensive insight into the mental health system enhances her ability to guide clients with empathy, professionalism, and genuine care- qualities which clients are most drawn towards. With a diverse background across various areas of the mental health field, Natalie brings a rich blend of experience, empathy, and skill to her work as a therapist. Over the years, she has held roles supporting individuals, families, and groups in a variety of clinical and community settings. This range of experience has given her a deep understanding of how to meet clients where they are, recognize their strengths, and guide them toward meaningful growth. Known for her compassionate approach and practical insight, Natalie creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to make lasting change. Since the beginning of her studies, Natalie has been a member of The National Honor Society for Psychology, The Eastern Psychological Association and The Society of Industrial-Organizational Psychology since 2005. Natalie has also served as the president for Monmouth University’s Psychology Club President and has won numerous community service awards and has been hand-selected to participate in elite leadership programs.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
A first therapy session welcomes a caring and thoughtful space to feel welcome, safe and comfortable The initial session will be an opportunity to get to know you and hear about what brings you to therapy. We'll discuss your goals, review the therapy model, and discuss confidentiality. The focus is on building trust and helping you feel supported from the very start.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
With a diverse background across various areas of the mental health field, Natalie brings a rich blend of experience, empathy, and skill to her work as a therapist. Over the years, she has held roles supporting individuals, families, and groups in a variety of clinical and community settings. This range of experience has given her a deep understanding of how to meet clients where they are, recognize their strengths, and guide them toward meaningful growth. Known for her compassionate approach and practical insight, Natalie creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to make lasting change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
It is incredibly important that I dedicate session time to supporting clients who are ready to make meaningful, positive changes in their lives and committed to fully engaging in the therapeutic process. By drawing on evidence-based approaches and a strong therapeutic alliance, together we will build insight, develop new skills and take empowered steps towards lasting growth. My focus is on partnering with motivated individuals who are prepared to invest in themselves and embrace the transformative potential of therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I find the use of CBT in therapy to be incredibly helpful as it gives clients practical tools to understand and change the patterns that keep them feeling stuck. This structured, skill-based approach not only brings relief in the moment, but also equips clients with long-term strategies they can continue to use throughout their lives.
Motivational Interviewing
With over 8 years of extensive training in MI, I draw on a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps individuals clarify their goals and strengthen their own motivation for change. Over time, MI supports lasting change by helping clients connect their values with their actions that will move them forward.
Family Therapy
As a Marriage & Family therapist, I help clients to understand patterns, communication styles, and underlying dynamics that shape their relationships. I work with each member to create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued, guiding the family towards healthier ways of interacting. By identifying strengths as well as areas of conflict, I help families build stronger connections, resolve long-lasting issues, and develop tools that support lasting positive change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
As a therapist grounded in person-centered therapy, this modality brings a warmth, acceptance and non-judgmental presence to my work in mental health. There is a trust in each person's natural capacity for growth and this approach helps build a therapeutic relationship that empowers clients to move towards change.