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 a healthy connection. Our stories begin to make sense as we link our past and present. 

When we embrace 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. 

My idea of counseling is understanding a person's story and beginning to understand how the past is influencing the way they live their 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. 

Outside of story work, I work with a wide age range, utilizing sound research-based techniques. Most of my clients are neurodivergent in one way or another.

Education 

I am a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University. I hold a Master of Science degree in Counseling Education. I received my Bachelor 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, working with individuals who struggled with a wide range of mental health issues. 

Areas of specialization 

Anxiety 

Anger Management 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 (All Ages)

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder 

Bipolar Disorder 

Depression 

Grief 

Neurodivergent Affirming

Neurodivergent Issues 

Parenting Struggles/Parent-Child Struggles

Sleep Interventions and Treatment 

Specality Training

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

-Social Thinking Methodology (CBT-based)

-Zones of Regulation (CBT-based)

-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), including teen training

-Mindfulness and Solution-Focused techniques

The way I see helping individuals the best is through a relational approach while standing on evidence-based practices.