A soft place to land as you navigate the hard things.

Meet Natalia Michaelson (she/her)

therapist in mission viejo woman brown hair smiling at camera white button up over black top

Therapist in Mission Viejo & across CA, MA, & OH

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

You’re here because you’re tired of feeling like you’re on the sidelines of your life. Deep down, there’s a part of you that knows you want something different. Together, we’ll make space for all of it—the chaos, the emotions, the shame, the depth, & mostly importantly, your humanity.

The overwhelm you feel right now doesn’t have to last forever.

best therapists mission viejo graphic of blueish black botanical leaf tilted to the right

You’re tired of navigating things alone. Here, connection is at the forefront of our work.

mission viejo therapists person brown sweater wedding ring holding hands across from person wearing black sweater

I believe that the foundation of good therapy is a real relationship- one built over time with empathy, humor (when appropriate), and deep trust.

I’ve had clients start a story with, “I know you won’t judge me, but…” and proceed to share something that brings up shame for them. Moments like these show me that we’ve built something meaningful. That kind of safety and trust matters.

In our work together, I want you to feel like you can exhale and just be.

  • No pretending.

  • No performing.

  • Just honesty, even about the hard stuff.

You don’t have to brace yourself or second-guess how you’ll be received. You’ll be met with care, not judgment and we’ll take it one step at a time, together.

When you step into the therapy space, all of you—your intersecting identities, stories, and emotions—all have a place here.

mission viejo therapist friends walking interlocked arms smiling at camera centered person of color bleach blonde short hair nude glasses to their left blonde person with dimples three other people in background

I center social justice values in my work, and I hold deep awareness of how systems of power and oppression impact each of us differently. Your intersectional identities won’t just be acknowledged, they’ll be respected and honored.

My approach is highly collaborative. We’ll move at your pace and I’ll be right alongside you to guide us where you’re wanting to go. Together we’ll figure out what you’re ready to work on and what we might need more time to get into. If something doesn’t feel right, we’ll pause, adapt, and shift course.

You’re not getting some robotic, blank-slate therapist.

You’re getting a real human who will show up as curious, compassionate, sometimes lighthearted, and always respectful. I’ll laugh with you, I’ll sit with the hard stuff, and I’ll never ask you to go somewhere you’re not ready to go. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, hold space for your emotions, and help us stay on track together. Because this work is hard, but also centers your humanity.

counseling mission viejo graphic of blueish black botanical leaf tilted to the right

In therapy with me, we will combine…

  • Your inner wisdom (if you don’t feel like you have access to it, that’s okay… I can help with that!) 

  • My knowledge gained through education, training, professional experience, and lived experience.

…to create lasting change and help you feel more at peace, calm, and confident in your life.

mission viejo therapy left hand purple painted nails holding white flower with green grassy background wearing maroon sweater

All parts of you are welcome here, the:

  • anxious parts

  • sassy or sarcastic parts

  • ones that make jokes when you’re uncomfortable

  • ones that cry

  • awkward ones

  • skeptical ones that don’t trust easily

therapy mission viejo thin branches orange circle pom pom looking flowers with green leaves

They’re all a part of you and I’m here to dive in and help you make sense of it all. This work is relational, deep, and meaningful. I’ll make space for all of you, not just the versions of you that you’ve been taught are “acceptable,” “likeable,” or “loveable.”

I will meet all of your parts, including the ones that you may not like, with compassion and openness to understand. If you’re stuck in the same patterns and you want out of the cycle, but don’t know how to get there, I’m confident we can figure it out together!

Am I the right therapist for you?

We’re a good fit if you:

  • Find value in depth work and self-reflection

  • Are interested in personal growth and healing

  • Are willing to take the time that’s necessary for deep healing 

  • Are looking for long-term, sustainable change

We’re not a good fit if you:

  • Want me to provide quick “fixes”

  • Need therapy completed in x amount of time

  • Are not open self reflection & having deep conversations

  • Don’t want to dedicate time for therapy each week

What it’s like to work with me

mission viejo counselor graphic of blueish black botanical leaf tilted to the right

Life and relationships can be complicated, period. Relationships with other people, with yourself, food, and body image can all feel pretty overwhelming to manage.

This is further compounded if you’re navigating the world in a body that gets marginalized and othered.

I get that it can feel heavy. You deserve a therapist who is willing to listen with curiosity and warmth, without questioning your lived experience. I want you to know that your story will be held with deep care. I believe you and I’ll hold space for all of the hard stuff.

therapists in mission viejo right hand holding half of black paper heart left hand holding other half paper heart

As a biracial therapist with lived experience in eating disorder and trauma recovery, I bring both personal understanding and professional expertise to my work. I’ve witnessed the impact systemic oppression can have on both privileged and marginalized identities. I’ve learned ways in which it can disrupt the relationships we have with ourselves, our bodies, and other people.

I recognize that these relationships can be complex, nuanced, and unique.

Healing and recovery takes time, spaciousness, and tools. I’m here to help you gain access to these so you deepen your connection to yourself and shift the way you navigate the world and your relationships.

therapy in mission viejo botanical floral bouquet white flowers purple flowers green filler flowers

You need someone who gets it. You want to feel less alone in your struggle.

You’ve experienced so much pain in your relationships, I want to make sure ours is a place for healing.

counseling in mission viejo graphic of blueish black botanical leaf tilted to the right

Specialties

Methods

mission viejo counseling graphic of blueish black botanical leaf tilted to the right

  • Involves learning and understanding more about different parts of you to deepen healing and experience internal harmony.

  • Provides tools and skill building to cope with distress, increase mindfulness, regulate emotions, and navigate interpersonal relationships.

  • Offers mindfulness tools to increase self-acceptance and feel more aligned with personal values.

  • Utilizes your visual field to process  emotions and experiences that are held in the body to create relief and inner peace.

My Professional Experience

Education & Licensure

  • Master of Social Work (MSW) from Simmons University

  • Licensure Information:

    • California: LCSW #127094

    • Massachusetts: LICSW #1121400

    • Ohio: LISW #I.2406119

Trainings

counselor in mission viejo hands off white painted nails maroon sweater writing with yellow pen left handed on blank paper

You want your life to look different, I want to help you get there.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION