By: Jonathyn Lopez
Natalie Southward is on a mission to support transformative change through counseling and authorship. As the owner of Life Transformation Counseling, she has dedicated her career to helping people work toward healing, growth, and greater well-being. A licensed mental health professional and clinical supervisor in Florida, she is also a Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Grief Specialist, Brainspotting Practitioner (BSP), and Certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Her work is rooted in her own personal journey, shaped by overcoming challenges and learning from the power of counseling firsthand.
Natalie’s commitment to making mental health support more accessible goes beyond her practice. She is writing an anticipated book designed to offer counseling tools and self-help resources to a broader audience. This book aims to serve as a practical guide for those who may not have access to traditional therapy, offering introspective exercises and thought-provoking insights to help readers navigate their personal growth journey. Through this project, she hopes to extend her reach and empower individuals to move beyond survival and cultivate a thriving, fulfilled life.
Her passion for mental health advocacy stems from her own experiences. At just 14, she found herself pregnant and in need of guidance. Her parents introduced her to a care pregnancy center, where she learned valuable parenting and life skills from compassionate counselors. That experience sparked a lifelong dedication to helping others. Today, she has come full circle, as her counseling office now sponsors the same pregnancy center that once supported her. She understands deeply the impact a single act of kindness and guidance can have on someone’s life, and she now seeks to be a source of support for others.
Natalie Southward’s journey has been shaped by her experiences of triumph and tragedy. The challenges of co-parenting at a young age were marked by emotional trials and tribulations for Natalie and her oldest daughter, Laci. Yet, nothing compares to the pain felt during the passing of Laci’s father by suicide. This loss was sudden and tragic and led her to seek family counseling to navigate her daughter’s grief and the complex grief Natalie experienced through their trauma and new reality.
Natalie believed she had faced profound trauma, but six years later, her brother lost his battle with cancer. The loss of her older brother and their close relationship was devastating because of their irreplaceable bond. This profound trauma became Natalie’s motivation to explore other modalities of trauma and grief treatment that could facilitate faster healing more efficiently. The outcomes inspired her to pursue deeper understanding and training. Since then, she has become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Grief Specialist, a Brainspotting Practitioner (BSP), and certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Life can feel like a series of challenges, but equipping yourself with an empathetic community, education, and effective counseling methods can help you navigate the losses that come with the fragility of life. This was evident during Natalie’s most recent pain following the passing of her dad. As she processed this loss in her core, she experienced the emotions and stages of grief, which further reinforced the importance of managing grief and resilience. Through this, she found a meaningful connection in their shared experiences and the joyful pride of honoring her father and brother through her work at Life Transformation Counseling.
These experiences, along with many others, motivated her to dive deeper into the field of counseling and equip herself with the knowledge and tools to guide others through their trauma, loss, and healing. Her work extends beyond the office—she actively engages in public speaking, advocating for support groups, and mentoring the next generation of counselors. Natalie Southward’s ability to channel pain into purpose is at the heart of everything she does.
A strong support system has been instrumental in her success. She credits her husband, Eric Southward, as her backbone, someone who believes in her even when she doubts herself, encouraging her to be the ideal version of herself. Her children are her ongoing motivators, inspiring her to lead by example and show them what perseverance looks like. Her team at Life Transformation Counseling plays an essential role in the work they do together, and she is grateful for her mentors and spiritual leaders who offer wisdom and encouragement in her journey. She also honors her parents, who provided a safe and loving foundation even in the face of life’s challenges.
Natalie envisions a world where mental health support is more readily available to everyone, regardless of financial barriers. She wants to shift the conversation around therapy, making it more approachable and accessible. Through her book, speaking engagements, and counseling practice, she strives to provide a safe space for people to heal and find their true selves. As she often says, “Dysfunction is hard, healing is hard. Pick your hard.”
With her book on the horizon, Natalie hopes to make an even greater impact. This book is not just a guide—it is part of a broader effort to break down the stigma around mental health and bring therapy within reach for those who need it most. Her goal is to make counseling feel less like a luxury and more like an important tool for everyday life. She hopes that through her writing, people will not only discover comfort and guidance but also feel encouraged to embark on their own healing journeys.
As part of her mission, Natalie is dedicated to using her platform to educate and inspire. She actively engages with her audience through social media, sharing insightful perspectives, encouragement, and resources to help people along their healing journey. She believes that healing should not be reserved only for those with access to therapy sessions but can also be nurtured through community, education, and self-reflection.
In addition to her work in counseling and writing, she is also involved in community outreach programs. She collaborates with organizations that focus on mental health awareness and participates in community workshops to help individuals develop coping strategies and emotional resilience. She understands that mental wellness is a lifelong journey and is committed to being a resource for those seeking guidance and support.
Whether you’re seeking guidance, inspiration, or simply a new perspective on personal growth, her work is worth exploring. Follow her journey, engage with her content, and consider how her insights might inspire transformation in your life. If you are looking for a resource that could help you take the first steps toward healing, keep an eye out for her upcoming book and visit www.lifetransformationcounseling.com. It may be the tool you’ve been waiting for.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Individuals experiencing emotional distress or mental health concerns should consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Results from counseling or self-help practices may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Published by Jeremy S.
