Natalie REDcross
PH.D, MS, LAMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
(She/her/hers)
Natalie earned her doctorate in Communication and Culture from Howard University, and master’s degrees in Journalism and Marriage and Family Therapy at Iona University. She has accumulated years of research and teaching experience in effective communication techniques and works to hone in on clients’ innate communication abilities with honesty, clarity, and optimism.
Natalie’s clinical work focuses on communication challenges, racial trauma, anxiety, familial relationships, career obstacles, developing coping strategies, and collaborating with clients to determine when it’s best to bridge relationships, and when to walk away.
For couples, Natalie’s priority is to serve as the advocate for the relationship. She offers perspectives for couples to guide themselves toward recognizing the impact of their contribution to the relationship. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) the end goal is: for each partner to gain a deep understanding of self, their partner, and of their shared vision as a unit as they work toward healing.
For individuals sixty-five and older and families caring for elders, Natalie applies her experience with aging family members and draws on Dignity Therapy to honor and respect long-lived lives, achievements, and memories.
“Understanding our own style of communicating, and recognizing when it’s an asset or causes pain, can break down obstacles of misunderstanding.”
Natalie’s approach:
Given her 19 years as a researcher and professor of communication, Natalie and her clients work together to acknowledge and appreciate their innate communication style with honesty, clarity, and optimism. Her clinical framework is guided by the belief that once you identify and accept your personal philosophy, core values, and belief system, they can be your life’s guide.
“Acknowledging and attending to all aspects of oneself, and remembering that all our traits — even those that have led to undesirable outcomes — are worthy of care and understanding. I encourage self-inquiry, reflection, and favor an integrative and collaborative therapeutic approach. I tailor techniques based on what I learn from clients, using the strengths and inherent wisdom they possess as our roadmap.”
In today's society, it’s crucial to recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA individuals and the importance of providing them with collective and communal care. They often face feelings of isolation and are at a greater risk of violence and suicide, especially among youth.