Natalie Wood (Southwark)

I have extensive experience supporting people who identify as LGBTQ+, those in non-monogamous relationships (including polyamory and relationship anarchy), and kink-identified clients. I also have experience working with people living with HIV.

I take an intersectional approach, recognising how different aspects of identity, including gender, sexuality, race, class, religion and disability, can shape experience. This includes acknowledging the impact of marginalisation and oppression, while also making space for meaning, resilience and joy.

I also work in a neuroaffirming way with people who are ADHD and/or autistic. This means we can move away from expectations about how you ‘should’ be, and instead find ways of being that feel natural and sustainable for you.

Alongside this, I support people with a range of more general concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions and bereavement.

My work is informed by psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive approaches, alongside queer theory, feminist perspectives and narrative approaches. I also have a background in philosophy, which informs my interest in questions of identity, meaning and how we respond to the challenges of being human.

Background

Before private practice, I worked as a therapist and Counselling Services Manager for METRO Charity, where I led a team supporting LGBTQ+ adults and young people, people living with HIV, and families.

I have also worked as a mental health advocate, supporting people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, including those in crisis.

More recently, I have worked as a clinical supervisor and consultant for mental health charities, supporting counsellors and frontline staff. I am also a qualified teacher.