Natalie Boone
Natalie Boone is a senior therapist, who currently practices at Ensemble Therapy. She originally became interested in clinical social work while working as a youth advocate at a local domestic violence shelter right after earning her undergraduate degree. She has always had a passion for children and teen mental health and for helping underserved youth develop their own tools for regulation. When it came to choosing a Clinical Supervisor, Natalie approached the process meticulously, interviewing a variety of potential individuals before deciding on Vanessa.
What distinguished Vanessa in Natalie’s eyes?
Vanessa emphasized the importance of community in order to take the best care of oneself and the people one serves. Natalie learned from her that it is through community you find that no one is perfect—everyone makes mistakes and it’s okay to be human.
“When I first met her, it was just her working out of a different practice’s office space, but I could clearly see the vision that she had for herself and her community,” shares Natalie. “Needless to say, she completely surpassed all the expectations I had for her as a supervisor!” As a white woman, Natalie recognized that she needed to consistently improve in order to ensure that her practices reflected diversity and the knowledge/ability to hold space for marginalized populations.
As Natalie undertook such a responsibility, Vanessa continued to be a leader in inclusivity and diversity for the community, while serving as a loving guide to her when needed. She made Natalie feel heard and provided a safe place for her to confide in when she had ethical and clinical concerns.
“Even while working through difficult cases, we could always share a laugh or smile,” says Natalie.
While working together, Vanessa supported Natalie in processing both positive and negative conditions. Additionally, Vanessa provided useful feedback that Natalie has easily incorporated into her career, post-supervision.
Natalie felt tremendously supported by Vanessa and believes that her unique capacity for exemplifying compassion and empathy, as well as for creating an environment in which difficult topics may be raised, has given her the confidence and self-trust she needed to find her vision and pursue her bigger aspirations.
“My highest vision for my work is having my own therapy practice focusing on children, teens, and parents,” says Natalie. “I have an idea to have a therapy ‘collective’ as a shared office space of individual practitioners that is profitable for the clinician first, while also being able to support clients from any financial background.”
