Natasha Vinakor

My communication style

Calm, reflective, and curious with a touch of humor is how I like to approach sessions. I prefer interactive conversations to all reflective listening, but will always hear out my client first.

My journey to mental healthcare

It wasn't a clear path from the gate for me to become a therapist. I had my own journey to work out challenges in my past, and through that, I became interested in human experiences, habits, and nature. I went to school for my MSW after many conversations with young adults in Oakland about their dreams and wishes, and their hardships.

My goals for you

The first step to reaching goals in therapy is identifying them, which can be its own journey. Untangling past situations, triggers, and traumas is part of that process. After that, setting up clear steps in a direction and helping clients keep themselves accountable becomes key, as does analyzing habits and defenses in the way of growth.

Our first session

A first session is longer than a typical one, leaving room to get to know each other and to start identifying what work we will be doing together. I like to give ourselves a three-session trial and check back in after to make sure things feel like a good fit. So this first session is a time to just see how it all feels.

I identify as...

• Female
• Caucasian or White
• Agnostic