Meet Natalie Brooks, MA, LMFT

A Multifaceted Therapist & Healer

Hello! I’m Natalie, the founder of Mindwell. My story began on the icy rinks of competitive figure skating, where I learned the virtues of discipline, focus, and the mental fortitude 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 narrative of Natalie doesn't end on the ice. With a deep-rooted passion for understanding the human psyche, I transitioned from the world of athletics to academia, earning my credentials as a licensed psychotherapist from the University of Southern California. My quest for knowledge didn't stop there; I embraced the ancient practice of yoga, integrating its principles of mindfulness and holistic well-being into my therapeutic approach.

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 and unwavering dedication, I witnessed the transformation of the lives of countless students, providing them with the tools they needed to navigate their mental health challenges.

Leading the Charge in Mentalization

Today, my effort continues to make a profound impact in the field of psychotherapy. In addition to a busy private practice, I serve as the program manager of the Mentalizing Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting MBT and supervising clinicians. I am committed to spreading the value 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.