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

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 valued and integrated during the therapeutic process.

As an educator at heart, I weave mental health education and the mind-body relationship with the practice of psychotherapy that clients find beneficial and informative. My style of working is rooted in a genuine desire to connect with my clients and offer them high quality and evidence-based care.

I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment-oriented therapies, somatic work (SE), trauma-informed practice, and person-centered through a psychodynamic framework.

 
 
 
 

More about my academic and professional endeavours.

 

In addition to being a therapist, I am proud to teach and mentor the next generation of psychotherapists. My academic background reflects a deep commitment to education, grounded in a strong understanding of both theoretical frameworks and the clinical practice of psychotherapy.

I serve as adjunct faculty at Loma Linda University’s School of Behavioral Health, where I teach in both the master’s and doctoral programs in family therapy. My teaching includes courses on MFT theory, program design and evaluation, assessment and diagnosis, and group therapy. My postgraduate research focused on training therapists and psychiatry residents in group therapy process and practice. I now lead the experiential group training program at LLU, where I continue to support therapists’ growth through experiential learning.

I have also been invited to speak at various universities on topics including trauma-informed substance use care, the use of psychological assessments by MFTs, identifying and assessing family systems challenges, and culturally attuned care for the Latino population. One of my recent original presentations, Essentials of Program Evaluation and Monitoring, was delivered at the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS) Conference in 2019.

Beyond my clinical work, I am an expert group facilitator who works with students, therapists, and professionals to strengthen interpersonal and communication skills. I currently serve as Co-President for the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles and sit on the board of the Orange County Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy (OC-EFT). I am also an active member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), where I continue to engage in national-level learning and professional collaboration. As an AAMFT-designated Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor, I bring extensive experience in clinical supervision and mentorship to both developing and seasoned clinicians.

In addition, I bring expertise in evidence-based program planning, development, and evaluation. I have helped organizations and institutions design, implement, and successfully launch clinical and educational programs, ensuring alignment with systemic goals and best practices. If your organization is seeking consultation in these areas—or is looking to enhance its programs through thoughtful, collaborative planning—I invite you to reach out to explore how we might work together click here to learn more.

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

    California (115847), New York (1958), Virginia (0717002191) 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

    *CFSD 524 MFT Administration and Organization

    *MFAM 624 Individual Assessment and Evaluation

    *MFAM 568 Group Therapy: Process and Practice

    *MFAM 574 Social Ecology of the Individual and Family Development

    *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