Natalia Cruz Navarro, LCSW

I believe my journey to becoming a therapist has been a natural response to working with individuals from so many different cultures and paths of life. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to support people during such a vulnerable time, and I am most effective when I can use my learned skills and lived experiences to help my clients feel validated and affirmed. This work is a passion, and I am honored to be a part of my clients' healing process.

Over my 12+ year career, I have had the opportunity to work with the perinatal population in many different settings, from outpatient clinics and home visits to inpatient hospital units. I have provided clinical support to mothers with high-risk pregnancies or a fetal anomaly diagnosis, and have offered care to individuals who have experienced a stillbirth, miscarriage, or infant loss. I also work with parents seeking healing from traumatic birthing experiences and those navigating mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum.

I believe in providing compassionate care that is client-centered, inclusive, trauma-focused, and culturally sensitive. My approach is "integrative," meaning I draw from different theories—like Humanistic, Behavioral, and Psychodynamic—to best fit your needs. I am also trained in EMDR and utilize techniques from DBT, CBT, and Brainspotting to provide symptom relief and help you learn to cope and heal in a non-judgmental space.

In our first session, you can expect a safe and welcoming space where we can begin to build a therapeutic relationship. My priority is to listen, understand what brought you to therapy, and ensure you feel heard and respected. We will work together to identify your needs and goals, and you can get a feel for my style to make sure it resonates with you.

My advice would be to give yourself permission to seek support and prioritize your healing. It is an act of courage to acknowledge that you need help, especially during a time that can feel so vulnerable. You don't have to carry the weight of your struggles alone; allowing someone to support you is a powerful step toward feeling better.

I hope that clients leave our time together feeling validated, affirmed, and empowered. My goal is for you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences, equipped with practical skills to cope and heal. Ultimately, I want you to feel more confident in your ability to navigate challenges and move forward with a sense of peace and resilience.

I am bilingual (Spanish and English) and bicultural, having been born in Mexico and raised in the United States. When I’m not working, I love doing pilates, completing word search puzzles, and reading. I also love spending time with my dog, Cielo.