Natalie MooreLMFT

In one word: mindfulness. The principle of bringing a curious awareness to the present moment over and over again has proven to be the most transformative skill I’ve ever learned. This concept changes everything. It gets you out of auto-pilot and empowers you to become an active participant in your own life. Whatever your goal, whether it be to experience deeper inner peace, to feel more connected in your relationships, to achieve greater success, to cultivate more robust health or to engage more actively in your community, mindfulness is a universal tool to support your endeavors.

I've always felt that Western psychology explained how the brain worked and how trauma, loss and our early relationships greatly influence our current lives. But it seemed to be missing a few key ingredients for healing – such as connecting to one's spirituality, understanding the impacts of diet and exercise on mental health and attending to the physical experience of the body. That's why it only seemed natural for me to integrate these aspects of total health into my therapy practice. Psychotherapy is an opportunity to explore the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, behaviors and body sensations that influence one another and ultimately determine the outcome of your life and your ability to enjoy it. My approach to therapy blends mindfulness and manifestation — spiritual practices that work together to help you release resistance and accept the present (mindfulness) and envision and create what you desire for your future (manifestation.) Holistic psychotherapy is distinct from traditional psychotherapy in that the field of mental health is built upon a foundation of assessing, diagnosing and treating mental illness, whereas the intent of holistic psychotherapy is to empower individuals to make positive changes to optimize their lives.

I don’t think anyone really pursues a career as a healer, I think it pursues you! When you have a calling to help others, your life reveals this purpose to you and provides you all the experiences you need to develop your skills. I pulled inspiration from a number of places. Teachers were early role models for me, as they were infinitely patient, present and attentive. My own family dynamic was grist for the mill. I took the job as peacemaker early on — a role that when unhealthy can hinder you as a healer, but when harnessed consciously, is an invaluable asset. As early as middle school, I attracted friends who needed lots of emotional support, due to having less-than-optimal family lives. This was my first unofficial training as a therapist — listening, empathizing and providing feedback and encouragement. In high school, my father made a career change to become a therapist, and we would have in-depth conversations about our own family system and how it developed that way. This further fueled my curiosity.

• California, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MFC107413

I've worked as a psychotherapist for 9 years in various settings and with diverse populations. I've provided intensive behavioral services for children with autism, inpatient support groups for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and in-home community mental health services for children and families effected by trauma. The past 6 years I've been in private practice, where I've seen children, couples, families and individuals addressing a range of concerns.