natalie hanks

 Majority of people don't even make it to the first session... The anxiety of "what will the session be like" often scares new clients away.  I can remember my own fear and doubt about the process & the therapist, wondering how anyone could possibly help me.  Let's break down a first session- The whole point of the first session if for you to decide if you would like to work with me, and for me to decide if I'm the right fit for you and your situation.  We go through an intake process where I ask you questions about life and growing up (let's be honest, lots of questions). After I gather history about your life, we discuss the current situation- or what brings you to therapy.  After I have gathered enough information, I give you a "game plan" which is what therapy will look like if you choose to work with me.  If I'm not the best fit for your situation we will explore possible options together. *I let all clients know if I'm not the right...

 Why did I become a therapist? I don't often get to share my story of how I became a therapist, but I figured for those of you like me who wonder "why did they become a ...." here is my story. I was the client long before I was the therapist. I was in and out of therapy a majority of my childhood. My mother was also a counselor. You could imagine how I felt about therapy by the time I was an adult. To put it simply, I swore I would NEVER be a therapist. I knew I wanted to help people, but my experience in the mental health world had crushed any hope of being a therapist. Fast forward eight years, I was struggling in my relationship and old trauma was resurfacing, I needed help. I was recommended a therapist in the area and figured I had nothing to lose. The next hour was so profoundly life changing and I applied for graduate school that night. I was introduced to EMDR as a client. What therapists had been attempting for years was addressed after a few sessions of EMDR. Th...

What is Theraplay? Theraplay is a child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child is personal, physical, and fun. Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge.  How does Theraplay work? Theraplay is a special type of play that can improve your child's behavior in unique ways. Using the therapeutic benefits of joyful play and sensitive caregiving. Theraplay focuses on strengthening your relationship with your child, enhancing your sense of connection and mutual understanding so that your child no longer needs to resort to problem behaviors. As the most important people in a child's life, caregivers are actively involved in sessions. With the help of the therapist who is skilled at changing what may seem to you a permeant negative d...

 I offer CPRT or Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) may be offered during your child's play therapy or utilized for Parent Support. CPRT is a 10- session treatment process. I will teach you to conduct special play sessions with your child that are incredibly healing and strengthen your relationship. CPRT can aid in reducing the challenging behaviors and emotional struggles your child experiences. You can become the major therapeutic change agent for yourself and your child.  IN 10 WEEKS, YOU WILL: Learn the skills play therapist learn and conduct play sessions at home Aid your child in learning self-control and responsibility Strengthen your relationship with your child Learn ways to have effective communication and increase your child's willingness to cooperate Aid your child in developing healthy ways to communicate and express themselves Learn ways to set limits and discipline your child Feel confident in understanding your child's...

 I love working with teens ❤ Sandtray from session Majority of parents bring their unwilling teens to me remarking "I hope they will open up and share with you." While some of my work revolves around "talking", typically I use a Sandtray to facilitate the session. A typical session includes a blend of chat, self-regulation exercises, sandtray and/or art making. We then explore the sandtray or art together.  Benefits of Sandtray Therapy- Reduction of anxiety and traumatic stress symptoms Increased resilience Expression of feelings without the need for words Boost in creativity Sensory, calming experience Unstructured technique Grief and loss processing Boost in low self-esteem Anger management + can be used in individuals, couple or family therapy + can be used with kids, teens and adults There are many reasons to seek a teen therapist including: low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, grief, and PTSD. Other signs that a teen might need...