Dr. Natalie Zaragoza LMFT Meghan Malloy, M.A. Jennie Dopf, M.A.
Individual Psychotherapy Couple Therapy (EFT) Somatic Experiencing Supervision & Mentorship
Individual and Relationship Therapy in Los Angeles
 

Welcome! I'm Dr. Natalie Zaragoza and I offer specialized trauma-informed and holistic therapy.

At my practice, I am proud to offer outstanding clinical care that is evidence-based, humanistic and trauma-informed.

Therapy with me means going beyond the surface of thoughts and behaviors to access underlying emotions that are often at the root of feeling stuck. As an attachment-based and emotionally focused therapist, I guide clients in exploring their inner lives and their behavioral and relational patterns in order to feel more cohesive, connected, and whole. I connect well with a diverse range of men, women and young adults though I tend to focus on addressing trauma issues, addiction and recovery, and challenges in relationships and families.

My priority is on creating a safe and inviting space where clients can take a deep dive into their inner world and their most impactful experiences. The foundation of the therapeutic relationship is the groundwork to take risks and embrace challenges in therapy that create the most lasting results.

Because each person brings a unique experience to the therapy room, I take into account all aspects of you — your gender, race, sexuality, culture, and more — as well as the things happening in your life — your relationships, family, and surroundings. This helps me understand what you need from therapy and how to support your overall well-being.

As a systemic therapist, I have substantial education and training in relationship systems, family health, social justice concerns, and working with the unique context in which people live. This means, I work holistically and take a non-pathological and strength-based view of wellness and recovery.

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My personal style is warm, reflective, and genuine. Client's collaboration and feedback are welcomed and valued during the therapeutic process.

As an educator at heart, I combine the art of therapy with education about mental health and the mind-body relationship that clients find beneficial and informative.

I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment-oriented therapies, somatic work (SE), trauma-informed practice, and person-centered through a psychodynamic framework. My style of working is rooted in a genuine desire to connect with my clients and offer them high quality and evidence-based care.

 
 
 
 

More about my academic and professional endeavours.

 

My academic background brings a love for education centered on a strong understanding of the theoretical and clinical practice of psychotherapy. In addition to being a therapist, I am proud to contribute to the field of marriage and family therapy through teaching and mentoring psychotherapists.

I serve as adjunct faculty at Loma Linda University, School of Behavioral Health in the masters and doctoral programs in family therapy where I share my expertise of psychotherapy and love for learning. I have been an invited guest at various universities to provide lectures for the following topics: trauma-informed substance abuse care, working with psychological tests as a MFT, identifying and assessing family system challenges and providing culturally attuned care for the Latinx population. My most recent original presentation was "Essentials of Program Evaluation and Monitoring" at the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS) conference (2019)

My expertise goes beyond working with individuals and relationships and extends into organizations and communities. I have a background in developing evidence based mental health programs and evaluating outcomes in order to promote ethical and effective treatment for communities.

My advanced areas of study include program design and evaluation, attachment theory in clinical practice and experiential group psychotherapy. My post graduate research focused on teaching the process and practice of group therapy to trainee therapists and psychiatry residents. I am an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy approved supervisor candidate and sit on the board of directors at the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles.

 
 

  • Licensed to provide mental health services and psychotherapy in the following states:

    California (115847), New York (1958), and Michigan (4101007281)

    Approved Clinical Supervisor Designation, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) View the requirements to become an AAMFT Approved Supervisor

  • * Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Individuals and Couples


    * Somatic Experiencing (SE) for trauma and anxiety disorders


    * Attachment-based therapies


    * Experiential Group Therapy

    * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy


    * Dialectical Behavioral Therapy


    *Non-violent communication and restorative approach (learn about healing circles here)

  • * Doctorate, Marriage and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University 
Emphasis: Program evaluation, MFT education, group therapy


    * Master of Science, Marital and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University

    * Post Baccalaureate Certificate, Addiction Counseling, Loma Linda University


    * Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, California State University, Fullerton

  • * MFAM 551 Foundational Family Therapy Theories

    * CFSD 626 Health Service Program Design and Evaluation

    *MFAM 624 Individual Assessment and Evaluation

    *MFAM 568 Group Therapy: Process and Practice

    * CFSD 634 Practicum in Couple/Family Therapy (Spirituality and Mental Health)

    * MFAM 606 Emotionally Focused Therapy

    *MFAM 555 Narrative Therapy

    * MFAM 535 Case Presentation and Documentation

    * MFAM 5636 Case Presentation and Client-centered Advocacy

    * MFAM 553 Bowen Family Systems Theory

  • * Board of Directors - Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles

    * Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute 


    * California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists #141150


    * International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy


    * Orange County Community for Emotionally Focused Therapists


    * National Clinical Fellow - American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy #167918 and MFTs Working in Trauma Engagement Network


  • * Awarded the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O), Helen H. Wright Scholarship