Meet Natalie Brooks, MA, LMFT, RYT-200hr
Therapist & Somatic Healing Coach
Founder of Mindwell 2017
Hello! I’m Natalie, the founder of Mindwell. My story as a therapist is quite unique and definitely provided me with the gift of specializing in issues that on the surface, may seem vastly different. The journey began on icy rinks of competitive figure skating, where I learned the values of discipline, perseverance, creative expression, and performance required to excel in one of the most demanding sports. It was here that I first encountered the intricate dance between the mind and body, a dance that would later become the cornerstone of my professional life.
But my story doesn't end on the ice. When the time came to transition to college, I taught private figure skating lessons at a local ice rink to support myself. I’ve always been an “old soul”, quiet, and contemplative. Curious about the mind and soul from a young age, I was and still am quite the seeker. With a deep-rooted passion for understanding the human psyche, I earned my credentials as a licensed psychotherapist from the University of Southern California and am currently pursuing a PhD in Depth Psychology and Integrative Therapy.
I embraced the ancient practice of yoga for many years integrating the principles of mind, body, and breath into my therapeutic approach. I hold Yoga Alliance RYT-200hr and Prana and Pranayama certifications from Kia Miller’s Radiant Body Yoga, and continue to study the powerful healing effects of yoga science on trauma, mood, and eating disorders.
From 2008 to 2016, I was a key member of the clinical staff at UCLA's Semel Neuropsychiatric Institute, working in Student Behavioral Health Services. It was here, following my initial MBT training in 2009, that my passion for this therapeutic approach flourished. I helped developed the outpatient MBT program tailored specifically for UCLA students with borderline personality disorder. Through my unique approach, I witnessed the transformation of the lives of countless students, providing them with the tools they needed to navigate their mental health challenges.
In 2017, I opened Mindwell in Claremont, California and recently moved my practice back to beautiful Pasadena.
Leading the Charge in Mentalization Based Therapy
Today, my effort continues to make a profound impact in the field of psychotherapy. In addition to private practice, I serve as the Associate Director of the Mentalizing Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting MBT and provide MBT supervision to clinicians. I am committed to spreading the importance of mentalizing and MBT in both practice and education.
Today, I stand as a lifelong learner and a testament to the power of continuous personal and professional growth.
