NATALIE BOONSTRA, Therapy Intern

In therapy, I often help people grow in self-compassion and forgiveness, and share practical tools that help them change discouraging thought patterns into much more supportive ones. I seek to provide empathetic support as my clients experience emotional healing and discover their inherent value.

I certainly understand how it feels to ache for emotional and spiritual healing. At ten years old, I was diagnosed with a condition called Madelung's Deformity, an extremely rare congenital disorder that affects the shape and size of both of my arms. To “be stuck” with something that can make me feel less acceptable caused years of emotional pain, dissatisfaction with myself, and even shame. Then one day I re-read in Psalm 139:14, "I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." It hit me like it never had before.  This stunning verse served as the catalyst for helping me learn to change how I think about myself, and the eventual foundation for my ministry.  Further, that verse, plus the help of those who have loved me so well, has given me a desire to help others find the freedom and peace I now enjoy more and more. 

My book, "Insecure: My Story," provides a closer look at this journey and can be found on Amazon and at the Adventist Book Center. I am also a public speaker and often share my story at churches and schools across the country, and at women’s retreats.  I hope that in some way my story, and our work together, will encourage you that emotional healing is possible with counseling and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.