Natalie Wood (Online)

Approaches and experience

I have over ten years of experience supporting people who identify as LGBTQ+, those who have non-monogamous relationship styles (e.g. polyamory, relationship anarchy), and kink-identified clients. I also have experience of supporting clients living with HIV.

In our counselling work we may look together at how aspects of your identity such as your age, gender, class, race, sexual orientation, religion and other characteristics have had an impact on who you are and you experiences in the world, where this feels relevant.  I acknowledge the wider issues of power and oppression that may particularly impact marginalised groups, as well as celebrating the unique joys, meaning and resilience that can come from living with an identity that has been perceived or treated as ‘other’.

I have also undertaken additional training around supporting people who are ADHD and/or autistic.  I take a neuroaffirming approach to working with neurodivergence; this means that our therapy relationship can be one in which we drop neurotypical expectations of how you 'should' be in therapy, and find ways of connecting and being together than work best for you.

I'm also able to provide support for general issues including anxiety and depression, relationship issues, identity, life transitions, bereavement, and others. 

I have a background in Philosophy and my work as a counsellor is underpinned by an existential perspective on human nature, which I feel offers some useful ways to us understand the shared challenges that we face in being human, and how we might respond to those challenges. I draw upon psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive models of therapy, as well as queer theory, feminist perspectives and narrative approaches to help understand the wider context of your experience.

My Background

Before starting private practice I worked as a therapist and Counselling Services Manager for METRO Charity, where I led a team of qualified and trainee counsellors across a range of projects supporting adults and young people who identify as LGBTQ+, people living with HIV, and family counselling. Prior to this I worked as a mental health advocate, and ran groups supporting people including those with severe and enduring mental health issues, and those in crisis.

More recently I have worked as a clinical supervisor and consultant for mental health charities, supervising counsellors and frontline staff to deliver support to people who access their services. I am also a qualified teacher.