Natasha
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About Me
My passion for working with others has grown from my own personal struggles. My pain, and the mask I wore to hide that pain, broke me down completely. But they also gave me the opportunity to heal and rebuild. These struggles led me to where I needed to be…right here, providing guidance, hope, and healing to a community I love!
I was born in Massachusetts to my mom who is Puerto Rican, and my dad who is Colombian.
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At a young age we moved from the northeast to South Carolina, adding to a number of cultural differences I had to accommodate. Learning to adjust was stressful but also gave me skills that I value today. Growing up, my father struggled with mental illness which made it difficult for him to help support our family both financially and emotionally.
I was blessed to have my extended family and school surrounding me and positive activities in which to immerse myself during this time - especially taking my very first class in psychology. My teacher and textbook helped explain and name some of my father’s confusing behaviors, and the painful feelings I was experiencing. I realized that people had been studying these issues and trying to find solutions for many years. This gave me a new perspective on my memories and emotions. Rather than just feeling and experiencing them, I realized that I had the power to understand and change them.
Being able to understand the pain of mental illness for the one who is ill, and for their family, led me to want to heal others, and led me to study therapy. I decided that by becoming a therapist, I could help families come together and support one another during difficult times.
Now I am happily married. My husband is Greek, and my life is richer for including his family’s culture in my life. I love cooking and the challenge of making traditional Greek or Latin recipes! During my free time, I love going hiking, riding my bicycle, reading, and just having a cup of coffee. I love to spend my time with my family and extended family, strengthening our bonds, and celebrating the big moments in life together.
If you get to know me, you will also get to know my dog Petey. Petey is a gentleman in training, (who sometimes makes bad decisions) but is always loved. Petey sometimes joins me on my video calls with clients. He is not an official “therapy dog” but his presence brings joy to everyone!
I want to reassure you that no matter how hopeless you feel now, your future can still be one full of close relationships, joy, and purpose. I walked my own path from darkness to light, and I would be honored to act as your guide for your own journey.
My Therapy Focus
It is my goal as a therapist that I use most of my time to serve the mental health needs of the local community, especially the Hispanic community.
I personally understand the isolation and helplessness that Spanish speakers feel when they cannot get treatment because of their language or immigration status. For over a decade, I have committed myself to being there for our community, and encouraging the development of more mental health options for Spanish-speakers.
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My training allows me to serve clients with a variety of concerns, but also provided me with exceptional insight into families, and the treatment of trauma. Sadly, trauma is an experience that many people share. It is very important for your mental and long-term physical health to speak with a professional about experiences in which your life was in danger, or you experienced serious physical or emotional harm.
Thankfully, the central role of our family is an important resource to help us heal from trauma, depression, or other types of pain. However, our family has to have the tools and team-work to support healing.
I have worked extensively with families, focusing on enhancing relationships and family bonds so that treatment includes the most important values of the client.
In addition to incorporating your important cultural values, I usually focus treatment on methods that work with thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about the world and yourself. By identifying and changing how you usually think about your problems, you can give your mind and body time to heal, and begin to think more positively.
Education and Experience
When choosing a therapist it is important that you feel comfortable with the person’s qualifications.
I earned my B.A. in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina, and then earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. Since 2008 I have been providing services in a variety of settings including public schools, mental health centers, in-home services, and community settings.
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I have worked extensively with families, focusing on enhancing relationships and family bonds, and also with people who have experienced trauma. I am currently a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) through the Arizona Trauma Institute. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of South Carolina, passing a rigorous examination and supervision process, and committing to continuing my education into new therapy practices yearly.
Since, 2017 I have served as a partner at Pettigru Counseling Practice. I am responsible for my own individual practice, but also take leadership and responsibility for the success of the group as well, along with our other partners. I tailor by therapy to meet my client’s needs. My treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy and more. Follow the links to learn more about each treatment type.