Natalie Mackenzie is a Registered Dramatherapist with ANZACATA (Australia, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association) and the British Association of Dramatherapists. She has over 10 years’ experience working with children, young people and adults in the areas of trauma, early intervention psychosis, addiction and child and adolescent mental health. Outside of Pandion Health, she runs her private practice, Playful Minds, which supports children, young adults and their families with anxiety, emotional regulation and social skills.

Natalie’s dynamic approach explores life’s serious stuff when words are not enough. Sometimes it is hard to understand big emotions or some life experiences are too painful or confusing to express in words. Dramatherapy is a psychological therapy that uses creative methods to explore life’s challenges. Whether through storytelling, role, play, or metaphor, Natalie adopts a client centred and trauma informed approach to support clients to see their difficulties from a different perspective. It is not about being a star performer, rather a creative way to understand ourselves and our experiences better.

When Natalie is not exploring the world of stories, play and imagination, she loves being out in the ocean and swimming in cold cold water (as in freezing, artic kind of cold). She is a mum to two girls and loves getting out in nature camping and cooking over fire.