Welcome! My name is Natalie.

I’m originally from Los Angeles, California but I’ve lived in New York City for over 15 years. What I’ve lost in sunshine and tacos, I’ve gained in seasons and lox bagels. I have a cartoonishly cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix named Yogi who you’ll inevitably hear bark “hello” during our sessions. I can usually be found researching the latest new restaurant openings in my neighborhood or rewatching an old Seinfeld episode – Elaine Benes is my idol. I’m far from an expert on Astrology, but I’ve been told my “Capricorn Sun” is showing when I make detailed and color-coded spreadsheets and utilize the “notes” app to organize life, but my “Libra Rising” makes them feel comforted and at ease.

Working as a therapist is the absolute greatest joy and honor in the world. I feel I was destined for a “healing” profession based on my family and upbringing: After fighting in World War II, immigrating to a new country and working as an English tailor, my maternal grandfather dedicated his retirement to volunteering with and fundraising for children diagnosed with cancer. My paternal grandmother is an essential pillar of her Jewish community and the unofficial “town therapist,” particularly for young women.

But why specifically a “grief therapist”? Well, at the age of 22 my mom died of suicide. My world was upside down. I didn’t know how to talk about this with my friends, boss, or even family at times. There was no playbook or guideline as a recent college graduate who was trying to figure out my own identity and place in the world. Plus, there wasn’t enough time to process this traumatic event because life kept moving forward, and I didn’t know how to connect with others about this complicated loss. Eventually I found therapy and group forums which helped me break down stigma, connect and heal. So now you know I’ve been somewhere similar to you before. However, your story and journey will look different and unique to you.

In addition to my personal experience with loss, I have over a decade of professional training to safely guide you. I attended New York University for my Masters in Social Work Degree, as well as a post-masters certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I spent my formative training at Bellevue Hospital Center working in their Psychiatric Emergency Room - the busiest in the country - where I saw a little bit of every type of person and diagnosis (so there’s likely not much you will say that will scare or surprise me). I helped develop and lead an outpatient program at Mount Sinai Hospital, and continue to work with students at the NYU Counseling Center. I love working with young adults because it’s such a pivotal juncture in life, and if you can process grief and learn resilience, these tools will always remain with you.

Reach out now to talk to someone who actually “gets it.”