Natalie Brooks, MA, LMFT

Leading the Charge in Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)

Mentalizing is the ability to understand your own mind and the minds of others. It’s about recognizing feelings, thoughts, and intentions—both your own and those of those around you. Mentalizing therapy aims to help individuals become more aware of their emotional responses and the underlying reasons behind their behavior. This awareness enables us to step back and ask, “Why am I feeling this way?” and manage our emotions more effectively by helping people make sense of their emotions and actions. It also plays a huge role in daily life, shaping how we connect in our social world.

I've had the privilege of studying under MBT creators Anthony Bateman and Peter Fonagy, as well as MBT-Family expert Eia Asen, to whom I am ever grateful. Through their mentorship, I have witnessed profound transformation in others and within myself.

Since 2006, I've had the honor and privilege of working with people in both inpatient, public, and private practice settings struggling with eating disorders, chronic depression, self-harm, complex trauma, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. Over the years, I’ve listened to hundreds of stories filled with mental, physical, and emotional pain—many of which most would find unimaginable. Their courage has taught me far more than they’ll ever know.

I have had the honor of witnessing many clients heal and create a life of purpose and meaning. Yet, I am aware that many people struggle with emotional, physical, or mental suffering daily. My unique approach integrates MBT with the wisdom of yogic philosophy to support deep, embodied healing.

I hold both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Southern California and am a certified Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) clinical supervisor and therapist. Additionally, I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with a 60-hour Pranayama certification from Kia Miller's Radiant Body Yoga.

In addition to private practice, I serve as the Associate Director of the Mentalizing Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and teaching mentalization-based therapies to clinicians.