Neuro-spicy
I am neurodivergent. Sharing a little bit about what a client can anticipate with my flavor of neuro-spice seems legitimate as individuals try to assess if they might like working with me. I have solid pattern recognition skills, a direct talking style, and a strong sense of justice. I care deeply about people, I am an active listener, and I also look at the person speaking. However, while I talk, I will often not be looking in direction of the person I’m speaking to. Don’t worry, I wont turn and talk to the wall. I will mostly likely talk with my hands and will give check-in glances. In the session room, my sense of empathy can show up as sharing a relatable story and/or techniques that have worked for me within the contexts of what was shared by the client.
It’s important to me to continue to build report and keep a connection with clients, while also being my authentic self. My time with clients is focused on the greater good of the client. I ask questions about and share what I feel might be helpful for the client.
Background
I spent 10 years working with those who found themselves having a pretty horrible set of days. I spent a year working in hospice care – home health. I spent six years working directly with patients in hospitals. I spent a year working at a nonprofit supporting those that were not housed, of which I helped community members connect with resource services. I spent a year serving the community at a mobile needle exchange program.
I love being a mental health counselor. I am a trauma therapist in part because of what I have been through, and in part what I have seen others go through. Although, similar traumatic events can be experienced by a community, I honor how different they can also be due to history, culture, and meaning given to the events.
Personal
I do not have children, which is by choice. I am single, by choice. I am queer. I am spiritual, but am agnostic.
I am a trauma survivor, and still experience symptoms of Complex PTSD. In the past my anxiety got the better of me. I also have experienced depression. I’m grateful to be who I am today. I’m still a work in progress. I hope to aid in helping clients find what softens the blows of life for them, because I know the relief is so welcomed. I am grateful that I continue to find what works for me. I’m not selling anything I haven’t already tried.
I have always created art. I don’t have any real talent, but I feel better creating art. Still today I’m working on projects of knitting, sewing, and paper collage. I love nature, plants and insects (+butterflies/moths/spiders). I garden and love cooking with fresh herbs and vegetables from my garden.
My cat Joni and my dog Otis usually attend sessions in one way or another. Joni loves the camera, and Otis loves sitting by my side during sessions.
Education
I have earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree, Psychology major, from University of Oregon. My Master’s of Science degree, Mental Health Counseling graduate program, is from Western Oregon University. In my internship at WOU, I spent over 1000 hours of one to one counseling sessions.
Supervision
The standards required by the Oregon Board of Counselors and Therapist states that supervision is mandatory until I meet criteria for my Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC), which for me will be mid 2025.
My supervisor consults with me, guides me, and is a resource to enrich my capacity as a counselor. You are welcome to reach out to my supervisor with any questions and/or concerns about my care.
- Natasha Laumei, MA, LPC, LMHC, EMDRIA (LPC#C4214)
- E: Nlaumei@laumeicounseling.com
- P: 971-204-6997