“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.”
― Marvin J. Ashton
The Work
Hello, I’m Natt. After being in the business world for around 18 years, I decided to make a career change to follow my passion. I am now a licensed graduate professional counselor. I graduated from Drexel University where I received a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling and a Certificate in Professional Counseling Studies from The University of Baltimore. My quote defines my approach to therapy; I use a humanistic and person-centered approach to focus on “what is right” and not “what is wrong” with an individual. I believe in channeling people’s strengths along with a defined life’s purpose are key components of healing and living to one’s full potential. It is rewarding to witness the growth from a world of distress and hopelessness to a life filled with more joy and purpose. My direct experience has been working with client’s that have struggled with addiction and various mental health struggles. That experience has taught me that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Groups you feel knowledgeable about/allied with/or part of. Examples taken from Inclusive Therapists include:
- Those who struggle or has struggled with addiction
- Trauma survivors
- Neurodivergent populations
- Teenagers
- Young adults/adults
Education/certifications -- your degrees and certifications.
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Baltimore
- Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from Drexel University
- Certificate in Professional Counseling Studies from the University of Baltimore
- Certified martial arts instructor for the “Sembah Phase” (Level 1) from Satria Fighting Arts in Pencak Silat (Indonesian Martial Art)
Trainings/Readings -- anything you're reading or any recent trainings.
- The Body Keeps Score - Bessel van der Kolk
- Transforming Trauma with Jiu-Jitsu: A Guide for Survivors, Therapists, and Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners to Facilitate Embodied Recovery - Jamie Marich and Anna Pirkl
- Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
- Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness - Jon Kabat-Zinn
- In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness – Peter Levine
- Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder – Gabor Mate
Fun facts -- three fun facts. I used 4. Sorry.
- My family is from Messina, Sicily and I speak a Sicilian Dialect. I get asked if my family is in the mafia and if I like to eat pasta and pizza at least once a week.
- I am a martial artist. I study Pencak Silat at the Silat Martial Arts Academy in Rockville, MD. Pencak Silat has changed my life in so many positive ways.
- I am obsessed with my English Bulldog, “Dino”. He was a cartoon character in my head long before I got him.
- I have a tattoo that has a misspelled word: “Positive Mental Atttitude”. I could not see it when I was getting it, but I swore I could feel the artist tattooing the 3 T’s in “attitude”.
Therapy Services and populations/dx you might refer out for -- (i.e. -- eating d/o, sex therapy, etc.)
- Eating Disorders
- Sex Therapy
- Cognitive Testing
- Individuals who are experiencing active psychosis
- Individuals who are experiencing active suicidal/homicidal thoughts
