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Olive Tree

Areas of Expertise

Perinatal Mental Health

As a certified perinatal mental health clinician, I employ evidence-based approaches to treat the broad range of conditions and concerns related to all phases of the perinatal experience. These concerns can involve the following:

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  • Deciding whether to have kid(s)

  • Pregnancy-related concerns or complications

  • Fertility challenges

  • Grief

  • Postpartum complications

  • PMADs (postpartum mood and anxiety disorders)

  • Transition to parenthood

  • Support and treatment for the non-pregnant partner

Trauma

Trauma is any distressing experience (lived or vicarious) that causes a lasting emotional response or disfunction. Trauma experiences can involve (but are not limited to):

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  • Trauma related to the perinatal experience ​

  • Sexual violence

  • Childhood abuse, neglect, or maltreatment

  • Illness and/or medical trauma

  • Vicarious trauma due to your career (ie therapists, first responders, healthcare professionals)

  • Military trauma

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It's beneficial for trauma treatment to have a specialized approach in order for progress and symptom relief to occur. I am trained in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR therapy. This approach emphasizes safety and trust within the therapeutic setting which allows for deep healing and positive change. (See FAQ page for more information about EMDR therapy).​​

Psychotherapy for other conditions and concerns

  • Generalized anxiety

  • Situational and cyclical depression

  • Life transitions

  • Grief

  • Relationship concerns

  • Workplace stress

About Natalie and her approach :

First and foremost, I bring a human experience to the therapy room. I believe it is helpful to be authentic and honest as a therapist which may mean some self-disclosure, when appropriate. I am a mother and a survivor of a significant health condition. These 2 experiences deepened my passion towards my work as a therapist to help others heal, create new meaning, and learn new skills to move forward. 

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I completed my Master of Social Work degree at USC with a focus on adults, mental health, and aging. Since completion, I've honed my skills in evidence-based approaches through continued trainings and certifications. These include:

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  • Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)

  • Advanced training and certification in perinatal mental health

  • ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy)

  • CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)

  • Psychodynamic therapy

  • Solution-focused therapy

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Mindfulness

 

The type of interventions used in the therapy room are dependent on each person's desired outcome. This is determined through an assessment of current symptoms and life events, collaborative goal setting (ie "what would you like to see differently in your life as a result of therapy?"), uncovering any "stuck points" or barriers, and understanding what has (or hasn't) worked in past therapy. My approach is warm, inviting, and collaborative. I strive to create a non-judgmental space that promotes safety, motivation for self-exploration, long lasting healing, and positive change.

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Do you have any questions about my treatment approach? I invite you to schedule a free 15 minute consultation (here) to see if my approach is the right fit for your needs.

Olive Tree
My Approach
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