Natalie Hanks. LPC

 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...

 What is a Registered Play Therapist? I see the term "play therapist" thrown around in the field, which is very confusing for potential clients. So, let's break this down. In order to be a Registered Play Therapist, you must complete the following: 1. Active License in the field of mental health 2. Hold a master's degree or higher in mental health 3. Complete a total of 150 hours of play therapy specific instruction, accrued in a time period of no less than two years. 4. Minimum of 350 direct client contact hours under the supervision of a Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor 5. Minimum of 35 hours of play therapy supervision and five session observations Once the above is completed you can apply to become a Registered Play Therapist. Honestly, my Play Therapy Certificate was as rigorous and time intensive as another master's degree. This is very different than those who have toys in their office and use them to facilitate therapy.  While I don't think play w...

Often times eating disorders go untreated... I was talking to a colleague today who also specializes in treating eating disorders and she asked me how I got into this field. The truth is I didn't go out looking for eating disorders, they found me. Early on in my career people were coming in discussing their problems and thinking they were struggling with depression or anxiety when in fact they were dealing with a full-blown eating disorder. Then I began to see them in children, one as young as 6. I learned how to recognize eating disorders as they often mask themselves.  I reached out to doctors, dietians, and other therapists in the area to assist and they were also clueless to the world of eating disorders. This is when I sought specialized training and supervision in treating eating disorders. I located a dietian that specialized in treating eating disorders in all ages and created a collaborative approach. What was once a dark field, I have began to shed light on, addressing th...

A modality is the way the therapist "does" their job. It's the how to therapy. When looking for a therapist typically modalities will be listed- Leaving the reader wondering what does this mean? What would that therapy look like? Would that help me? I'm going to breakdown my top modalities and give you a feel for what a session would look like. Theraplay- For children 0-4 and their caregiver to foster attachment and relationship between the two. A session would look like a caregiver and child having therapeutic play with the guidance/teaching of a therapist + a blend of theraplay skills & games for the caregiver and child.  Play Therapy- For children 4-12, I offer Child Centered Play Therapy. A session would look like a brief check-in with caregiver and child and then the child playing as they choose for the remainder of the session. Children are able to resolve their problems through play + reflections from a Play Therapist. Sandtray- For children 12+ (and adult...

 You are probably wondering what the difference is? I'm going to make this very simple; it comes down to 2 things. 1. I am only licensed as a therapist in the state of Colorado. If you are not located in Colorado, I can't be your therapist.  2. Medical necessity- what does that mean? If I am treating a diagnosis such as PTSD that is medical necessity. If I am supporting you through a traumatic event, that is not.  Why I offer coaching- I offer coaching due to the strict rules of therapy. Therapy confines my practice to the state of Colorado and places limitations on how I can show up in a session. In therapy, I would not be encouraged to share any personal information with a client. In coaching, I am able to work with anyone, anywhere. I am able to openly share about my life to the benefit of a client. There are no "rules" about what a session looks like. That's the cool part- it's all up to you and how I can support you. What's the benefit? The biggest be...

I offer a sliding scale- As a therapist, I want to help those who cannot afford traditional therapy fees, and so I enrolled with Open Path. I am thrilled to help people in this manner. One of the biggest barriers to mental health treatment is affordability for those who don't have insurance. My standard rate is $125 per hour (which is on the low end for Colorado).  How does the sliding scale work? With Open Path, clients receive a 30% to 60% discount, depending on the fee they choose that works within their budget. I let clients pick their fee in the $40 to $70 range. I don't get involved in making them prove their income or anything like that. Most people are at $45 or $50, though people have picked $70 or $40.  How and when do you direct clients to Open Path? When I get a prospective client who is asking about my sliding scale, I send them to Open Path. I explain how Open Path works, that they will have to pay the initial $65 fee to keep the website going, but that they will...

Welcome! I am so glad that you are here. It takes a lot of courage and strength to seek out a therapist to walk with you through whatever stage of life you are currently in. Through my own self-discovery, I have learned that we are all on our own unique journey towards tending to parts of us that have been mistreated or left behind by hurtful past experiences, which is why my therapeutic approach is individualized and collaborative, to meet each client's needs. It is my passion to further assist you in your journey of becoming the best version of yourself. More about Natalie Therapy Services: EMDR Individuals Children + Adolescents Couples + Families

In 2024, I took a sabbatical from my career to battle breast cancer while on my postpartum journey. I underwent chemotherapy and numerous surgeries and was faced with my own mortality. I spent most of my time deep in thought, contemplating life, and discovering what matters most to me. I have been taken to bare bones; to my core mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially. The renewal of life brought death to my old self, relationships, and world views. It changed me and my approach in working with others. I used meditation, yoga, sandtray, and my clinical knowledge around trauma to my benefit, but I learned the most from living through the experience and from others along my journey. If you are going through cancer, chronic illness or a medical journey I'd love to support you. I know how hard the journey can be. Book Now