Our Guiding Values (Big 8)

Natalie established Heartful Presence Counseling & Art Therapy in May 2025 with the goal of offering a unique blend of traditional talk therapy and art therapy for adults and teens in California and Missouri. Her approach integrates mindfulness, creative expression, and evidence-based therapeutic practices to support clients navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship concerns, major life transitions and other challenges. Natalie believes in the power of creative expression as a catalyst for reflection, problem-solving, self-discovery, storytelling, healing, and transformation. She views creativity as a means of inspiring meaningful change—not only within oneself, but also within relationships and communities at large.

The name Heartful Presence was carefully selected to convey key values which are embodied by our therapist and clients alike. These key elements include:

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Presence - (Mindful Awareness)

Presence is at the heart of our work together. We’ll practice noticing our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensation with curiosity rather than judgment, allowing for greater awareness and intentional choice.

Being Fully Here

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Inner Connection

We encourage clients to recognize and connect with their innate wisdom, peace and wellbeing that reside within them.

Trusting Our Own Wisdom

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We believe healing often begins with kindness. Together, we'll cultivate greater compassion and understanding toward yourself and others, creating space for healing, connection, and meaningful change.

Meeting Ourselves with Kindness

Compassion and Empathy

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Showing Up Genuinely

Authenticity

We welcome you exactly as you are. Our goal is to create an environment where you feel safe expressing your genuine thoughts, emotions and experiences without fear of judgment.

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Listening Beyond Words

Deep Listening

We actively listen to ourselves and others, paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal communication.

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Healing Happens Together

Collaboration

We view therapy as a partnership and together will identify your goals, build upon your strengths and adapt our work as your needs evolve.

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We believe healing begins with curiosity rather than judgment. Together, we'll explore thoughts, emotions, relationships, and experiences with openness and a willingness to learn, recognizing that self-understanding creates opportunities for meaningful change.

Exploring Without Judgement

Curiosity

A collection of paintbrushes with paint on the bristles, laid out on a white surface. Some brushes are resting on a painter's palette with bright pink, orange, and other mixed paints.

We see creativity as a quality that belongs to everyone. Whether through conversation, reflection, writing, or art-making, creative expression can deepen self understanding and inspire meaningful change.

Healing Through Expression

Creativity

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In essence, Heartful Presence is about embracing a life lived with authenticity, compassion and a deep sense of connection to oneself and the world around us.

Heartful Presence can contribute to growth in areas of self-care, relationships, communication skills and leadership.