Therapy Approach

Natasha is an experienced, interactive therapist who values collaboration in her work.  Natasha does not think she knows people better than they know themselves, and works to help others identify and accomplish their goals.  Natasha seeks to create a safe environment to help individuals feel comfortable and understood without judgment.  She recognizes that change can be difficult and makes adaptations based on each individual's needs.

Natasha's approach is influenced by several types of therapeutic orientations.  Essentially, she believes that people are separate from their problems and that everyone has the wisdom and strength needed to improve their well-being.  She strives to help people access their internal resiliency and uses a variety of avenues to guide people in the direction of their choosing.  Depending on the needs and preferences of the individual/s she is working with, Natasha uses a combination of insight-oriented talk therapy, mindfulness-based techniques and somatic experiences in her work.  For more information about specific approaches, please see below.


Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy techniques are used to support people in becoming more aware and accepting of their thoughts and feelings, and to help increase the ability to self-soothe.  Mindfulness is the act of being present in the moment, and can help people to increase life satisfaction.

Hakomi Therapy
Natasha uses Hakomi therapy  which is based on helping people learn to discover unconscious beliefs through studying current experiences involving the mind and body. For more information about Hakomi therapy, please see the Hakomi Institute. 

Narrative Therapy
Natasha draws from narrative therapy which involves the belief that people are strongly influenced by their environments.  Narrative therapy helps people create the space needed to focus on their strengths and successes. For more information on narrative therapy, please see Alice Morgan's text, "What Is Narrative Therapy?" at the Dulwich Centre's website.

EMDR
Natasha uses EMDR when collaboratively determined that it is an appropriate treatment option for a specific individual.  EMDR can be used to help with a variety of issues.  For a further explanation of EMDR, please go to EMDR.com. 

Areas of Focus
Areas of focus include parenting, relationships, anxiety, depression and life transitions. Natasha specializes in working with teenagers, young adults, families and women. 

Natasha's interview about teen dating violence- http://www.kalw.org/post/initiative-educate-kids-healthy-relationships-arrives-oakland-middle-schools#.Uc9h-m63lwk.email

Please visit Natasha's blog at http://natashashapirolcsw.wordpress.com/