Ms Natalie Anderson

A conversation with Natalie Anderson

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  I am drawn to working with individuals who may be dealing with challenges which can negatively affect mental health as I know from experience that whether these create or trigger trauma, and how long this may continue to be acute or prolonged, can depend on how supported they feel in acknowledging and processing their emotional responses, and gradually beginning to make meaning from these events.
  
  I am an excellent listener and have been told that I have a calming voice and presence, and this helps to create a safe space to walk alongside others in their journey so that they do not feel that they have to do it alone, which can make any situation seem even more overwhelming.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  My studies in Existentialism and Buddhism still resonate in relation to the way that we can impose significant anguish and suffering on ourselves through our internal conflicts. However, they also teach us that we have the power to reframe our thoughts, feelings and beliefs in a less limiting way. Eastern philosophies highlight that this requires becoming more attuned to what we are holistically experiencing in our minds and bodies, which was the motivation behind my study and practice of mindfulness.
  

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  Transitions can be stressful and difficult because change, and a lack of autonomy and control, often leads to anxiety and fear, which if left unresolved can create strong resistance, even in the face of unhappiness or pain. This is why I am so interested in the ways that we can try to gradually re-wire our brains and nervous systems to sit with all of our experiences and explore our own insights and wisdom, which could also allow us to embrace any opportunities for growth that these moments or events can bring us.

• What methods do you use?

  My methods are chosen in collaboration with the specific client, and reflect the needs and goals that they have identified. This may be strengths-based and solutions-focused, with an integrative, whole-of-person approach that could include talk therapy while walking outdoors, or practising grounding techniques to manage anxiety responses, which might also involve play for children. Our activities could focus on finding the best way of exploring the relational aspects of what is happening for you, and your sense of connection and attachment to key individuals, relationships, experiences and other circumstances in your life.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  That differs with each individual, but even the first few sessions of establishing rapport and building trust can help in feeling more positive and confident about the possibility of progress. Being listened to with full attention and receiving understanding, acceptance and unconditional positive regard can make an enormous difference to our perception of our experience.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  It has provided me with a safe space for my own inner journey, and to accept that none of us are responsible for "holding up the sky for everyone else all of the time". And while it is important to work towards improving our self-awareness and personal growth, we can only do the best that we can under the circumstances - we have to accept that sometimes that is enough, which I think has helped to make me a better person, parent and counsellor.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  It is extremely humbling and a privilege to work with people to build self-understanding and strengthen human connections, because despite all of the different challenges we face, many of us are on a shared journey of finding some kind of purpose and meaning in our lives.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  I sure do. But I just try to practice self-compassion and go with the flow as much as possible. One of my favourite mantras is "this too shall pass"!

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  When we lose our sense of connection with others, our community or environment, we are not as strong or empowered as when we embrace diversity with empathy, compassion and non-judgement. In our relationships with each other and the earth, we need to be mindful of giving and receiving in balance to encourage and maintain equilibrium and harmony, which can start with the cultivation of mutual gratitude and kindness.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  I find all forms of creativity inspiring, but Caitlin Moran's 'How to be a Woman' popped into my head for its humorous take on how we can beat ourselves up for not meeting the expectations of others. Like the counselling experience, much of what it says could be something you already sense or know, but might not have been able to articulate so clearly, or perhaps needed reminding about. I think it also inspires us to embrace all of the authentic, messy parts of who we are, and even find the joy in them.