Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Natinsky.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a teacher from the start…a 2nd grader teaching Kindergartners to read, then a babysitter in middle school, then an academic tutor in high school. I was always drawn to kids and was fascinated by their unfolding development. Fast forward a bit and it was no surprise that I became a child and school psychologist. Having worked in schools, residential treatment facilities, and community mental health, I have supported children, their parents, and their teachers in a variety of ways. Five years ago, I established my current private practice to address a need I saw in our community — parents and teachers who were deeply curious about how to build positive, emotionally connected relationships with the kids in their lives. Through individual consultation, classes, and speaking presentations, I bring to life the field of interpersonal neurobiology. This field is the intersection of what we know about our brains and bodies informed by our understanding of attachment and interpersonal relationships. I take science and research and translate it into useful strategies for parents and teachers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Because I have a growth mindset, I see the challenges as part of the process. While it has been generally smooth, I think the greatest challenges have been those associated with being a business owner. There were no classes offered in my doctoral psychology training program concerning the ins and out of running a private practice. I’ve had to be a quick study, and I’ve welcomed the growth those humbling experiences have provided.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I use my background and training as a child and school psychologist to serve as a parenting consultant. Parents are often seeking strategies and tools to bring more joy and ease to everyday parenting moments. Informed by theory and research, I provide specific strategies to support parents. I teach classes about positive discipline, how to create tech-healthy and tech-happy homes, and techniques for parenting kids with intensity. In addition, I provide professional development to teachers. I am most proud of the relationships I build with my clients. The positive feedback I receive about the ways in which the work has impacted their family and their relationships for the better is priceless. I am compassionate and collaborative, and my mission is to support, encourage, and empower each family I serve.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to those just starting out is to find a strong mentor and/or consultation group for yourself. Such a sounding board is a gift! Also, get comfortable with discomfort. Lastly, learn to ask for help. Focus on your strengths, and seek out those to support you on the tasks about which you are less knowledgeable and don’t enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drnatinsky.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellenatinskyphd
Image Credits
Tara Pottichen
Kaitlin Aguilar
