LCSW, 28 years of experience
Hello! My name is Natasha and I have had the pleasure of helping people with life transitions for 30 years. I am passionate about helping people through the trials and tribulations of life and helping them find the strengths that are often already within. I use a systems based approach, considering all factors that may be impacting a person in crisis - whether that be individual, family, peers, community, work, school, gender, substance use, culture, or social media influences - to help them find a more fulfilling way to live. My therapy style is eclectic borrowing from many different schools of thought as best fits my clients' needs. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques for a shorter, solution-focused treatment such as for anxiety or depression. I use a more psychodynamic approach for lengthier and more complex issues such as trauma. I am client-centered and very relational in my interactions. Some of my guiding principles include Unconditional Positive Regard, harm reduction, kindness and compassion above all. And of course, always a healthy dose of humor which can be found in even the darkest of times. I look forward to joining you on your journey to a healthier and happier self.
As we embark on your healing journey, we will begin by getting to know one another to see if we are a good fit. Without a comfortable and trusting therapist-client relationship there is no room to grow. If you feel that we will work well together, we will start to delve into what brought you to therapy, what goals you wish to work toward, and together explore the best ways to get better. The path to wellness is never a direct one and I will be by your side with an eye toward your strengths, a compassionate ear, and tips, techniques, and coping skills to try out.
During my 30 years of experience, I have found that my ability to relate to people, to show compassion, empathy, kindness and interest in their lives has made me the therapist I am today. I am skilled at validating your feelings while also being able to find a different perspective and reframe what might feel like a hopeless situation. I have been informed by my work with all types of people from all walks of life and I continue to be curious about each unique individual.
I love working with young adults who are just beginning to figure out how to navigate "adulting" - from college students to young professionals transitioning from adolescence into their life journey. Many people also suffer from mental health issues - like anxiety, depression, substance ab/use - in addition to the bumps and ruts along the road. I enjoy helping them find ways to manage what comes their way. I also have a passion for supporting people of all ages during life transitions - becoming a couple, a parent, an empty-nester, career changes, divorce, loss - and the accompanying joys, emotions and grief experienced during those changes.
I use an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing on various aspects of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic methods to create my own custom-made approach. I will work with my clients to create a treatment plan that encompasses different techniques to best address the client's particular problems and to appeal to their sensibility. Meeting the client where they are at is at the core of my practice. No judgement, just compassion.
I always begin my sessions with a client from a place of compassion and unconditional positive regard.
Learning to be mindful, and incorporating mindfulness techniques into daily life is an integral part of my approach and supports all manner of therapies I provide.
I have vast experience in helping parents navigate the challenges of parenting, particularly as it pertains to parenting teens. This is an incredibly challenging time in the life of a family as so many changes are taking place very rapidly. Adjusting to the various roles a parent has to take on is difficult but manageable with support, guidance and coaching.
Learning how to reframe our thoughts is a process that can be so helpful when faced with challenges. It is a process and method that can be learned and honed with practice and can be life-altering for the better.