NATALIE SCHRAPE PSYCHOTHERAPY
“You were so afraid of my voice, I decided to be afraid of it too” -Rupi Kaur
“Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves.”
-Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score
“The way people grow up shapes their relationship with their own bodies and psyches. The emotional contexts of childhood interact with inborn temperament to give rise to personality traits. Much of what we call personality is not a fixed set of traits, only coping mechanisms a person acquired in childhood" -Gabor Maté
THERAPY WITH ME
With over 20 years of experience, I offer talk psychotherapy and art psychotherapy to help you find your emotional voice whether it be about a current situation that is causing you distress or something from your past or future. I use a trauma focused, somatic, polyvagal and neuroscience approach to help us frame understanding of self and your nervous system in adverse or chronically adverse dynamics.
​We often hold on to thoughts, behaviors and feelings that seem too overwhelming to share with others. We fear being vulnerable. We run from difficult feelings. We seek approval of others. We feel ashamed of our emotional "baggage". Worst part is, we often try to hide these under our mask because of shame, fear, and anxiety. But hiding in shame only makes us feel worse about ourselves with isolation, emptiness, and a sense of self-hatred.
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We will understand the impact of challenging or traumatic events on your nervous system and determined how you cope in your current life. We will learn to identify patterns and thought patterns which could be keeping you stuck or in pain. We will investigate the felt senses in your body and learn to reconnect to your feelings in a manageable way that feels safe. ​
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You will learn to take off the mask and find inner strengths that may bring a sense of freedom, liberation and connection to self and others. We will accomplish insight, self-awareness and compassion, coping strategies, a sense of purpose and connection, relaxation, growth and a renewed sense of problem solving.
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It is so important to me that you feel heard, seen and safe with me. I will encourage you to express feelings, fears, identities, conflicts, insecurities, memories and reconnect with your body to promote healing, growth and new ways of coping. There is relief in finally being able to share your story and experience. I am here to listen. I want to help you feel more connected to your life, to remember YOUR truth, dislodge old patterns and reconnect with joy.
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I look forward to hearing from you.
TESTIMONIAL
Patient Experiences
ABOUT ME
I have been a practicing psychotherapy for the past 24 years. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist and Creative Arts Therapist, L.C.A.T., in the state of New York. I am also a registered Art Therapist, A.T.R. with the American Art Therapy Association, Credentialing Board. I received my Master's Degree in Art Psychotherapy in 1994 with a specialization in phototherapy from The College of New Rochelle.
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I have extensive experience with children, preteens, adolescents, young adults and adults.
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I am also an extensively published photographer and continue to work on my own art to express myself.
