About Me

Hi, I’m Natalia Michaelson (she/her).

Therapist in Orange County

therapist in orange county woman with brown straight hair, wearing white button up top over black shirt with black pants, standing with open posture, looking at the camera directly smiling
  • Biracial Therapist

  • Anti-Racist

  • Weight-Inclusive

  • Therapy Nerd 🤓

  • Crocheter

  • Enthusiastic Advocate

Who I am as a therapist…

Committed Learner

I’m a biracial person and therapist who’s committed to lifelong learning, especially when it comes to understanding and unpacking my own intersecting identities—both privileged and marginalized. This work is personal and ongoing, and it helps me connect meaningfully with others who may also feel the complexity of navigating different cultural or social expectations.

Collaborator

I take a non-shaming, collaborative approach and believe your autonomy and agency should remain at the forefront of this process. It is your healing journey after all. I’m on your team, not here to take over or go against you.

Body Liberation Advocate

I believe that it’s crucial to make the world a safer place for all bodies and body sizes. Your story and lived experiences are unique and deserve to be held and heard. I strive to help you feel more empowered and liberated in a society that may tell you otherwise.

Who I am as a human…

therapists in orange county white ball of yarn with crochet hook in front purple flowers in a line in background

Crocheter

I love to crochet! I’ve made plants, flowers, stuffed animals, fruit, coasters, and other fun things. Crocheting has been something that’s helped me practice mindfulness and I’ll forever be grateful for it.

therapist in orange county stack of books on window sill with plants in jar to the left

Reader

I nerd out on therapy books and non-fiction material. I’m always adding a new book to my never-ending list of books that I’m pretty sure will be impossible to get to in my lifetime.

orange county therapist elephant profile picture with trunk curled up

Animal Lover

I have such a soft spot in my heart for animals and always enjoy impromptu pet appearances in sessions. I also have a senior dog of my own who knows he’s got me wrapped around his finger.

My Approach…

As a biracial therapist with lived experience in eating disorder recovery, I bring both personal understanding and professional expertise to my work. I am an anti-diet and weight inclusive clinician. This means my approach will never involve dieting or recommendations for intentional weight loss. I recognize that relationships with food, body, and self can be complex, and I am here to help you reconnect with these aspects of yourself with compassion and respect.

My therapy approach is highly relational and person-centered, prioritizing your autonomy and active participation. I am committed to addressing your needs and goals in a way that feels supportive to you and your nervous system, ensuring a therapeutic experience that respects your unique boundaries and readiness. It’s important to me that you feel safe, understood, seen, and heard.

My approach draws on attachment and feminist theories, which means I view healing as both relational and influenced by societal dynamics. I bring authenticity, empathy, and compassion to our sessions, while modeling boundaries and effective communication. I believe the therapeutic relationship itself can be a powerful space for healing and growth. Together, we’ll also explore the broader impact of societal forces like systemic oppression, as I recognize how deeply these factors can affect your relationship with yourself, your body, and your community.

Our work will be tailored to your specific needs and goals. Some tools I may incorporate include nervous system regulation skills, DBT, ACT, brainspotting, mindfulness, and parts work. Whatever tools we use, I am here to support you in ways that foster connection, understanding, and genuine self-acceptance.