Natalie Bender
She/HerMACP
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
EnglishHi, I’m Natalie. If your mind feels constantly “on,” stuck in loops of overthinking, what-ifs, or big questions about the future, you’re in the right place. Therapy with me is a space to slow things down, feel understood, and start making sense of what feels overwhelming. Here, you’ll find a supportive, non-judgmental environment where we can explore what’s weighing on you and discover ways to feel more grounded and clear.
Background
I’m Natalie, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a focus on helping teens and young adults navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My background combines training in CBT, DBT, and Rogerian approaches, giving me the flexibility to offer both practical tools and deeper exploration. I’m especially drawn to the big-picture questions—uncertainty, purpose, and identity—that often come up during times of change. My goal is to create a safe space where you can feel understood, reflect honestly, and begin moving toward more ease and self-confidence.
Your therapeutic experience with me
Therapy with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and down-to-earth. We’ll work together to understand what fuels your anxiety, stress, or low self-worth, and find strategies that actually fit into your life. Some sessions may focus on tools and coping skills to ease the “noise” in your head; others may dive into the deeper patterns and fears beneath it. My style balances curiosity, compassion, and a little humor—because even heavy topics deserve space for perspective. Clients often leave sessions feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected to themselves.
Therapeutic approaches
These are the approaches at the heart of my work, and I use them often because they help create meaningful change:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns that fuel anxiety, low mood, or self-doubt. By learning to challenge negative beliefs and practice new ways of thinking, clients often gain confidence and feel more in control of their day-to-day lives.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
DBT provides tools for managing intense emotions, reducing overwhelm, and improving relationships. Skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation can be especially supportive during times of transition, when stress and uncertainty feel at their peak.
Rogerian (person-centered)
Rogerian (Person-Centered) Therapy emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance. Many clients struggling with self-esteem or identity find this approach grounding, because it creates a safe space where they feel fully heard and valued, often for the first time.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, rather than getting stuck in them. Through mindfulness, values exploration, and practical strategies, ACT supports moving toward what matters most—even when stress, anxiety, or self-doubt show up
Focused populations and cultural backgrounds
These are the communities and cultural backgrounds I focus on, and I bring a sincere commitment to supporting you in a way that feels respectful and genuine:
Populations
Students
Entrepreneurs & Professionals
Young Adults
Millenials
University & College Students
Professional credentials
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- No.18221
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Educational background
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University, Canada
Practice locations & services
FAQ
Did you know?
I used to be in finance, but after much reflection, I made the life-changing decision to go back to school and become a therapist.
Therapy has been instrumental in my own personal healing journey over the years, and I was inspired through those experiences to pursue this path
Dancing, singing, reading, spending time with my dog are some of my favourite things.
Immediate crisis support available
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available right now:
- 🚨 Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
- 💬 Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support and suicide prevention