Natalie Decker M.S., LMHC
"You can choose courage or you can choose comfort. You cannot have both." -Brene Brown.
Do you want to be a better version of yourself?
Life is hard. Relationships are hard. We all have a story. The people in our lives..or not in our lives.. have helped to create that story. Engaging our story helps to integrate our lives…this integration is what rewires our brain for healthy connection. Our stories begin to make sense as we link our past and present. By looking at our story we begin looking at the places in our lives where we have been harmed and we surprisingly find freedom, hope, and joy. Once our heart is wounded, we often begin living in ways that promise to relieve the pain and assure that we will never be hurt again. Counseling is about looking at how your story of the past is influencing the way you live your life in the present.
What is your story? I would be honored to sit with you in this messy thing called life and help you unpack your story. Coming from a dysfunctional, chaotic, and addictive family- along with doing my own hard work, I have found an immense amount of empathy in order to sit with you on your journey. I work with a wide age range, utilizing sound research-based techniques.
-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Level 1 & 2 along with DBT Adolecences Training
-Sand Tray Therapy Children & Adults
-Social Thinking Curriculum (CBT based)
-Zones of Regulation (CBT based)
-Mindfulness and Solution-Focused techniques
Education
I am a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and hold a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling Education. I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Christian Counseling from Liberty University. I have experience working with children, teens, adults, and couples. I have a passion for working with neurodivergent individuals.
Experience
I gained unique experience and training through my journey. I worked with a multidisciplinary team, primarily with individuals who struggled with sleep. I trained in research-based Behavioral Sleep Interventions and Treatments. I worked at an inpatient residential facility and had the opportunity to work with adults of all ages who struggled with severe and persistent mental health illnesses. Finally, I worked at a local church and had the opportunity to work with individuals who struggled with a wide range of mental health issues.
Areas of specialization
Anxiety
Anger Management
Autism Spectrum Disorder (children and adults)
Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Grief
Neurodivergent Affirming
Neurodivergent Issues
Parenting Struggles/Parent-Child Struggles
Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective
Sleep Issues
Sleep Interventions and Treatment