Natalia Gurmendi (she/her)

Hi! I’m Natalia Gurmendi (she/her). I am a psychotherapy fellow at Roamers Therapy under the supervision of Shaysa Villa, LCSW.

Addressing mental health concerns isn’t easy. It can be nerve-wrecking and anxiety-provoking but it also takes a lot of courage to advocate for yourself. As a trained art therapist, my goal is to assist you in achieving emotional balance by providing you with the option of exploring therapy through a different lens. At times, we can lose sight of the options available when seeking support. I’m here to help you harness your strengths. When you can experience the ability to regulate and control your emotions, you’ll find yourself feeling empowered.

In sessions, I maintain a safe space for you to explore feelings, thoughts, and personal insights regarding your relationships and lived experiences. I work with clients to strengthen their awareness to identify challenges and struggles as a means to promote a desire for positive change—this can be done through actionable steps for growth to be sustainable. Being your support throughout this process is a privilege and I value the relationship we build. As a therapist, I strive to be genuine and intentional while maintaining deep respect and acceptance of you and your unique experience.

I particularly enjoy working with young adults and adults. My specialties include supporting people during major life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity distress, culturally sensitive issues, grief/loss, and women’s issues. I work with clients from a relational approach, encouraging them to explore the connection they hold with themselves and with those who belong to their community. In exploring relationships, I work with clients to strengthen their insights to resolve challenges and overcome hurdles impacting their personal growth. In addition, to working through a relational lens, I utilize evidence based modalities, such as Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Gottman Method.

In addition to the benefits of traditional talk therapy, I strongly believe that healing can occur through the use of artistic expression—to deepen one’s understanding and enhance support in moments when emotions, personal experiences, and trauma, become challenging to articulate. Having worked with individuals in art-based programs and an array of community settings, I’ve learned that self-discovery is maximized by building trust, collaborating during sessions, committing to the healing process, exploring creative methods to self-expression/imagination/play, and engaging with authentic connection to challenge new perspectives and promote well-being. I celebrate people for their unique qualities and abilities and work to ensure that they have a space to freely and openly express themselves while working toward healing.

Personal

Things that bring me joy: Starting a new art project, spending time outside, cooking, listening to music, going out with friends, taking care of my plants, etc.

Education

Master of Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Focus: Art Therapy and Counseling

Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University

Focus: Psychology

Clinical Supervisors

Shaysa Villa, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

Candice Love, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

Payment & Insurance Accepted

Locations

While Natalia’s office is located in Lakeview, Chicago for in-person sessions, she also welcomes and serves clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.