OUR TEAM

ABOUT DR. NATALIA VELÁSQUEZ, PSY.D.

Dr. Velásquez is a clinical psychologist licensed in Florida. In her work with you, Dr. Velásquez strives to create a safe, genuine, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space for growth and healing. She will help you cultivate greater awareness of how your thoughts and feelings may be affecting you, teach you how to honor your emotional experiences in a more self-compassionate way, and assist you in detaching from beliefs that may no longer be serving you. Dr. Velásquez will also help you identify what values bring your life meaning and importance, and assist you down the path to remove barriers that impede you from living a meaningful and valuable life. Thus, treatment with her may include sharing past and present experiences; exploring thoughts, emotions, and subsequent behaviors; and practicing therapeutic skills that you will learn in therapy to best fit your unique life circumstance.

Dr. Velásquez specializes in applying evidence-based treatments, which are gold standard therapies that have the strongest research support. Dr. Velasquez primarily utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps clients reconnect with their present moment experiences, relate differently to their thoughts, feelings, and past/present experiences; and re-engage with what brings them true meaning in life. This unique approach helps clients build a healthier relationship with thoughts and emotions; one that enables individuals to live more in line with what they value, free of suffering.

Dr. Velásquez identifies as a second-generation American, Latinx, heterosexual, cisgender female who is passionate about working with culturally diverse individuals who have experienced trauma and consequentially depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges, and other difficulties. She is also dedicated to breaking down barriers that have traditionally limited individuals of oppressed/marginalized identities from accessing quality mental health services, such as cultural/societal stigma and systemic racism. Lastly, she has a love for pineapple on pizza, her two fur babies (Team Cat Mom!), meditating on the beach, and attempting to salsa dance in her free time.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Velásquez received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Florida. She received both her Master of Psychology and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology. She completed her clinical internship at State Center Community College District – Fresno City College and thereafter, her post-doctoral training at Portland Psychotherapy Clinic. 

Dr. Velásquez has extensive experience in complex trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management, relational difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem, identity development, grief, and personal growth/purpose in life. She also finds significant meaning in working with Trauma Survivors, Women, Latinx and Other Diverse Backgrounds and Identities, First-Generation Americans, Emerging Adults (18-25 years), College Students, and Veterans. 

Dr. Velásquez is licensed by the Board of Psychology in the State of Florida and her license number is PSY12064. She is providing both in-person and telehealth services and is greatly looking forward to working with you!

EDUCATION

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Florida Institute of Technology
M.S. in Psychology, Florida Institute of Technology
B.S. in Psychology, University of Florida

SPECIALTIES

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
•  Trauma/Complex Trauma
•  Depression
 Anxiety
•  Stress Management

•  Interpersonal Difficulties
•  Life Transitions
 Personal Growth/Personal Values
 Meaning/Purpose in Life
•  Grief

 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

•  Borderline Personality Disorder
•  Distress Tolerance
•  Emotional Regulation
• 
Interpersonal Effectiveness

CONTACT

Would you like to get in touch with Dr. Velásquez? Contact her at: admin@psychologicalhealing.net