Q: Welcome to the Relationship Counseling Center of Maryland (RCC), Natalie! We are excited to have you on staff as a therapist. What are you most excited for in working with us and our clients?
A: I think RCC is a center that really promotes healthy communication and trust between partners. Being part of a team of therapists who improve relationships and the lives of individuals is truly exciting and inspiring. I look forward to helping couples and families connect emotionally with one another and foster a greater sense of emotional intimacy.
Q: In your style of therapy, do you like to tackle the main issue head-on, or focus on the deeper issues first?
A: Many couples come in with the issue that got them to therapy and by addressing that main issue, it gives a certain comfort to the client and establishes a trust relationship between the therapist and client. It’s similar to putting the client on crutches and then healing the deeper wounds.
Q: Have you yourself been to therapy?
A: Yes, I was in therapy when I was younger and it helped me be more in tune with myself. That was when I really saw the benefits. I still attend therapy today. Especially as a therapist, I think it is very important to allow yourself space to process your experiences so that it doesn’t impact the therapeutic process with clients.
Q: What was the moment you realized you wanted to be a marriage and family therapist?
A: Two major reasons why I got into marriage and family therapy are that 1) my parents attended couples therapy and I saw the improvement in their relationship during and after the process. 2) I realized how important family systems are when looking at colleges and the different tracks they offered in psychology. People are interconnected and that really aligns with my view of the world and the therapy process.
Q: What do you like most about working with people?
A: Sharing ideas is what I like most about working with others. Allowing people to share their points of view allows for a clearer picture and a better outcome or product, especially if the perspective differs from your own.
Q: Outside of being a therapist, what are some of your hobbies?
A: My main hobby is baking. It really caters to my personality in being precise, but allowing for creativity. I love going through that process and sharing the final product with others.
Q: What do you do for self-care?
A: My definition of self-care is intentionally making time for your hobbies and responsibilities. It is important to be intentional about your time so that you don’t overwork yourself. For example, I really enjoy being in nature, so I make time to go for hikes. I also like reading and doing yoga. Even smaller things that you may not think of as self-care can be self-care like drinking tea by the fireplace or lighting candles.
Q: In your experience, what is the most important thing that can strengthen a relationship?
A: Knowing your partner or family member’s love language is one of the most important things in a relationship. That will help you and your loved one understand how both of you give and receive love, which may be different!
