Natalia Gourlay-Fernandez,
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Working with individuals, couples, and families, I provide clients a brave space to begin to develop their best version of self and relationship. Using a solution-focused, strengths-based approach, we can work together to uncover your unique resources, talents, and gifts and apply them towards building a life that represents your best hopes. I believe that every individual has everything they need within them to enact the changes they desire. Our power lies in nourishing each of our inner superheroes to change the narrative from one of pain and despair to one of hope and agency.
Our past experiences, present interactions, beliefs, and expectations shape our current reality. By building an awareness of this in therapy, we can work towards understanding and accepting who we currently are on our journey towards who we are becoming. We all desire to thrive and find meaningful connection with others. Transformation lies in changing the lens through which we experience ourselves and others.
In helping my clients, I often integrate practices from solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness, personality theory, attachment theory, and narrative therapy. Depending on the presenting problem, I incorporate techniques from my own continuing education and clinical research.
Credentials and Additional Information
Special Interests
Personal Growth and Development, Life Stage Transitions, Relational Difficulties, Premarital and Couples counseling, working with gender fluid individuals, individuals struggling with social difficulties and finding a sense of belonging, Stress Reduction, Anxiety, and other mood disorders
Clients:
Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, and Families
Degrees and Certifications
Master Master of Family Therapy from Mercer University, School of Medicine; Working towards full licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist; B.S. in Psychology from Kennesaw State University; Certified in Solution-focused Brief Therapy; Certified in Prepare/Enrich premarital and marital counseling
Research Interests
Personal Research Goals:
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Deepen my understanding of practices that promote growth, healing, and emotional well-being
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Understand trends in Positive Psychology, Social Constructionism, Narrative Therapies
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Reduce barriers and obstacles to psychotherapy
Current Research:
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Integrating research findings into clinical practice to improve client-care and therapist training
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The role of language in therapy as individuals experience change
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Women’s issues in diverse communities and family systems
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Experiences of resiliency in LGBTQ communities
Professional Affiliations
Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Solution Focused University
Founding chair member of the Solution Focused University Diversity Committee