DR. NATALIE STEMATI
About Dr. Natalie Stemati, Psy.D.
Hi, thanks for visiting Fortitude Mind and Body! I am a licensed psychologist practicing in Denver, Colorado. In my private practice, I provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy as well as offer a Self-Compassion workshop.
My path towards psychology began in undergraduate school where I received a B.S. in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies from College of Charleston. After college, I went on to receive a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Community Counseling from DePaul University followed by a Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have certifications in Contemplative Psychology (study of meditation, mindfulness and self-compassion), Integrative Somatic Experiencing for Trauma, and Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS).
.jpeg)
.png)
MY STYLE
Now that all the resume stuff is out of the way! My personal and professional background has helped develop my approach to therapy to encompass both the mind and body. A holistic approach is not me just stating another psychology buzz word to you! My style as a therapist includes helping each client engage in the exploration towards a greater awareness and understanding of your mental functioning. We all tend to be very critical of ourselves and hold a lot of inaccurate narratives about who we are.
It is so essential to help shift these narratives, and I work with clients to build a more accurate, self-compassionate narrative that leaves room for more healing. Since the mind and body are connected, it makes sense to me to also help clients find balance in their physical functioning. In addition to our therapeutic exploration, I also help clients find ways of coping that provides nurturing for both their mind and their body (i.e. learning mindfulness and/or meditation practices).
PERSONAL INFLUENCES
My life experience also greatly contributes to my identity as a therapist. I am originally from Chicago and studied improv at The IO Theater (formerly Improv Olympic) for 2 years. Needless to say, using humor is part of my therapy style! I believe it is important to find the humor when facing adversity as a way to help diffuse the power it holds. Improv also strengthened my ability to listen, to attune, and to support others. These days, my main source of coping and catharsis is through playing guitar. The guitar has taught me how to be mindful and stay in the moment.
Additionally, my own quest for mind-body balance helps inform and strengthen my work as a therapist. About 6 years ago, I developed low back pain, which was debilitating at times. After months of traditional medical care, I was not experiencing much relief. This motivated me to seek out a more mind-body approach to my pain management.
The combination of psychotherapy, meditation, mindfulness, and ultimately shifting the relationship with my pain was life changing. I learned how to prevent my pain from taking over my daily functioning, and cultivated a compassionate, curious, mindful approach to taking care of myself. Happy to report that I am doing well and back to full functioning! As a therapist, I hold the same curiosity with my clients and meet them with much warmth and compassion to hopefully experience similar mind-body relief.
And so with great fortitude, let’s work together to identify the obstacles in your mental functioning that keep you stuck, manage the symptoms the obstacles create, and work towards a greater understanding of yourself and your world. I look forward to working with you!
CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG
My dog Rose is a certified therapy dog through Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado. She assists in providing emotional support and animal assisted activities. Her job is to enhance the therapeutic experience by providing both a calming and goofy presence as well as comfort.
Rose is a certified therapy dog who brings emotional support and comic relief!
