Location
11990 Portland Avenue
Burnsville, MN 55337
Natasha offers in person and telehealth services from our Burnsville office. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy through Capella University and has joined Thrive to complete her internship as a requirement to graduate. She is originally from South Africa and moved to the United States to complete her undergraduate degree. She earned her BA in Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Natasha has lived in four other countries, including Qatar, Dubai, Beijing and Singapore. She credits her risk-taking and open-minded personality to traveling, living and experiences new cultures throughout her life.
Natasha has been drawn to a career in counseling for several years and accredits her mother for her passion of psychology. Natasha aligns more with a Solution Focused Therapy model because of its focus on the clients’ strengths. She was and continues to be drawn to Contextual Family Therapy’s curious stance as she believes it provides the perfect avenue for her to get to know and eventually join with her clients in a way that demonstrates respect and genuine empathy. Utilizing a solution focused perspective, coupled with a curious stance, Natasha believes asking about strengths, hobbies and areas of life that are going well for her clients can provide information on exceptions to the problem and ultimately highlight areas of unnoticed strength for them.
Natasha has previously worked in a recovery home and developed an interest for working with families and/or couples who struggle with substance abuse. This is something she is hoping to explore further during her internship as this can broaden her ability to utilize a trauma informed approach. Natasha wants to work with clients of all racial, economic, sexual, religious, and mental health backgrounds. A particular interest for Natasha is working with couples and/or families during transitions, particularly those with Third Culture Kids, as she herself identifies, and believes her experiences can serve as another perspective in the therapeutic process.
Natasha lives in Burnsville, Minnesota with her husband, son and fur princess. In her free time she enjoys taking her dog on walks, cooking and spending time with friends and family. She especially enjoys playing board games and watching movies in theaters.
Her specific areas on concentration include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Communication struggles
- Relationship issues
- Adolescent struggles
- Life Transitions
- Third Culture Kids
- Identity/self-esteem issues