Therapist Natalia Luna
As a human, I understand that psychotherapy is non-judgmental and a safe environment that provides support and understanding in the care of the patient. It is understandable that at times is not easy to accept that help is needed. But when the first step this taken, you are one step closer towards positive change. Symptoms such as anxiety often take the lead when going through significant life changes, whether it is a new job, moving into a different stage of life, or a new relationship. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties and build meaningful connections. As a person it brings me great pleasure to help others. My focus is to help you through this difficult path. I would love to help you address life issues dealing with your emotions and behaviors. In therapy, I like to create an atmosphere of trust and respect by practicing empathy in a deep sense of acceptance and understanding. Providing you with unique and specific skills, while exploring your own dreams, hopes and values. We can work together towards the process of healing, moving forward and strengthening your new self.
My approach to treatment is client centered and collaborative. I try to break complex things down into palatable and digestible material and work with you on your personal goals, reach and express new potential. One of the most profound things that I have learned while being a therapist, is that we are a lot more similar than we believe. We all struggle in different capacities and we can learn, grow, and help one another. I believe therapy is about treating individuals on their personal energetic level. I want you to feel as though you can heal from the inside and be able to extend that out to others. I am very dedicated on helping others through their difficult path.
I consider myself a very optimistic individual, who regardless of how immerse or difficult the struggle may be, I make it a focus to find the positive side of things. I have always considered myself to be very empathetic, caring and passionate of everything I do. I want to be able to guide you through your struggles and help you conquer your personal goals and find the best version of yourself.
For the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to work together with individuals who have seek professional help when they feel stuck in life and are presenting with symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. Together with guidance they have been able to find the path to recovery. Throughout my work in Imperial County Behavior Health Services, I was a psychotherapist at a local mental health agency where I obtained my experience working with children, youth and adults of all ages. I had the pleasure to work with various populations including homeless, foster youth, victims of assault and violence, LGBT+, and eating disorders among others. Throughout this time, I provided biopsychosocial assessments, individual and group therapy. I served individuals with various mental health diagnosis including Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, as well as substance use disorders. For my last 4 years working for the county, I was assigned at the Crisis Unit serving individuals with suicidal or homicidal ideations, plan or intent, as well as gravely disability. I was also given the pleasure to work with the local mental health mobile team, providing mental health services to the community, local hospitals and work alongside with law enforcement preventing/or placing 5150 applications and referring individuals to appropriate treatment. Throughout this time, I was promoted to a Therapist Supervisor which included training and supervising students in their master’s program, as well as associates in the mental health field. I have also had the pleasure to work with various for telehealth agencies in the past year who provided me with the opportunity to branch out my telehealth therapy services to clients throughout California.
Throughout my years as a psychotherapist, I have encounter various themes in which I have specialized in. These include depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, self-empowerment, life adjustments, existential issues, coming of age issues, stage of life changes, grief, abandonment, spirituality, sex and/or identity related issues, relationship issues and trauma. I am certified in several evidence base models including Cognitive Processing Therapy (trauma therapy), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Techniques and trained in Gottman’s Couples Therapy. I am passionate about being a therapist and self-growth has always been important to me, therefore I continue my journey on being certified on other modalities.
I am excited to join you on your life’s journey. I hope to have the opportunity to help you move past your struggles and be able to move forward to a new, stronger and healthier self.