Natalie Parffrey

Despite what ol’ Forrest Gump shared with us while sitting on a park bench, life isn’t always a box of chocolates. Sometimes, it can feel more like a box of rocks. You might feel overwhelmed, stuck, irritated, anxious, depressed, alone, misunderstood, or frustrated with your circumstances and the burdens you carry. You may struggle to understand yourself or those you love, or wonder if there’s something wrong with you, or the world around you. You might ask yourself, What is the purpose of all this? What am I supposed to do? How can I find happiness and peace? Despite what ol’ Forrest Gump shared with us while sitting on a park bench, life isn’t always a box of chocolates. Sometimes, it can feel more like a box of rocks. You might feel overwhelmed, stuck, irritated, anxious, depressed, alone, misunderstood, or frustrated with your circumstances and the burdens you carry. You may struggle to understand yourself or those you love, or wonder if there’s something wrong with you, or the world around you. You might ask yourself, What is the purpose of all this? What am I supposed to do? How can I find happiness and peace?

Let’s start by putting down that box of rocks. You don’t have to carry it alone. There are answers, and I am here to help you explore these questions. Therapy offers a safe space where, together, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and subconscious mind, while noticing your personal strengths- strengths that make you unique, accomplished, and capable.

In a life that may seem uncertain, one thing remains true: there is hope, joy, and peace for you-and it’s within your grasp. I congratulate you on your courage and commitment to finding the change you seek. As an integrative, trauma-informed therapist, I would be honored to be part of your healing journey. The answers may be closer than they appear.

My approach to therapy is integrative, trauma-informed, relational, and attachment-focused. My approach doesn't really fit into a single theoretical box. I pull from different approaches depending on what the client needs.

I like first sessions to feel conversational. Think of it almost like you're catching up with a friend you haven't seen in forever and you might have lot to fill me in on.

We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, what's been going on lately, and some of the experiences that have shaped you along the way. I may ask questions about your relationships, family, past experiences, or patterns you've noticed, but I don't want it to feel like an interview or like you have to tell me your entire life story in 50 minutes.

You also don't have to know where to start. That's my job to help with.

Mostly, our first session is about getting to know each other. I want to understand who you are, what life has looked like for you, what you're struggling with, and what you'd like to be different. It's also a chance for you to get a feel for me and decide whether I feel like someone you can be comfortable talking to.

There isn't a perfect way to "do" your first therapy session. Come as you are, and we'll figure out where to start together.