Thomas Counselling
I’m Natalie Thomas
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist and I have a PhD in Philosophy. I’m here to provide you with a safe and compassionate place to support you in counselling and psychotherapy.
My Professional Journey
I’ve been teaching, writing and publishing at the University and College levels for many years and have experienced my own challenges both personally and professionally that have contributed for my compassion for others, including animals and the natural world. Having someone to care, listen and be present while we work through the sources of our suffering is needed for us to heal.
In addition to my education and training, which you can see below, I love to spend time with my dogs and cat, reading books, creating art, gardening, meditating and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
My academic website is available here: drnataliethomas.com
My approach to psychotherapy and counselling is holistic and informed by my philosophical background and personal experiences. You’ll find I’m just as comfortable talking about things like values, ethics, meaning and purpose as well as the full range of emotions and challenges we all feel as part of the human experience, like anxiety, sadness and grief.
I can also incorporate nature into therapy through eco-therapy and other nature-based approaches like walk-and-talk therapy.
I am also an Executive Committee Member and Ontario Regional Coordinator of the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America, Canadian Representative.
Approaches & Modalities
I use an integrative and holistic approach suited to the person I’m working with, depending on their own goals and preferences. My background in philosophy also gives me familiarity with existential issues and ethical dilemmas. Approaches to therapy I use include:
compassion-focused
person-centred
humanistic
strength-based
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Internal Family Systems
EMDR
If you are interested in knowing more about EMDR, please check out the EMDRIA website here: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
I also incorporate existential and contemplative forms of psychotherapy for those wanting to investigate questions or issues around life’s meaning and purpose, and those interested in learning therapeutic mindfulness meditation techniques.
Nature-based therapies and eco therapy, including activities like ‘walk and talk’ therapy are also available options for our sessions.
Elements of positive psychology are also included in my approach, as is bibliotherapy.
Education, Certifications, Trainings
- MA Counselling Psychology, Yorkville Univesity
- PhD, University of Waterloo, Philosophy
Specialized in ethics and animal ethics. - MA, University of Guelph, Philosophy
Specialized in environmental philosophy and ethics. - BA, University of Guelph, Philosophy
- Certificate, Foundations of Mindfulness Meditation, University of Toronto
- Certificate, Mindfulness Informed End of Life Care, University of Toronto
- Certificate, Environmental Citizenship, University of Guelph
Memberships
Climate Psychology Alliance
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Public Speaking Engagements
- ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ University of Guelph Alumni webinar, 2022
- ‘A Mindful, Compassionate Approach to Eco Anxiety and Grief’ A Mindful Society Global Summit 2022
- Internal Family Systems and Climate Distress, CCPA, 2023
- Mindfulness for Forest Fire Anxiety, Mindful Society Global Institute, 2023
- IFS Talks – Climate Crisis from Inside Out with Natalie Thomas and Paul Neustadt, 2025
Publications
- Parts & Self Magazine – Climate Cafes for Eco-Anxious Distressed Parts –https://partsandself.org/climate-cafes-for-eco-anxious-distressed-parts/
- Healing by interspecies communion –
https://partsandself.org/healing-by-interspecies-communion/ - Podcast appearance on The One Inside – https://theoneinside.libsyn.com/ecotherapy-finding-self-in-nature-with-natalie-thomas
- Tree as Self Meditation – https://open.spotify.com/episode/50VpzoNPR4ZHfzAveQnf1e
- Internal Family Systems and Climate Distress – Canadian Ecopsychology Network – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9pNFKELetQ
Additional Trainings & Courses
Wilfried Laurier University-Social Work Continuing Education
- Trauma Certificate courses:
- Trauma-Sensitive Practice
- Mindfulness for Trauma
- Crisis Intervention
- Trauma and Addictions
- Introduction to Trauma
- Structural Dissociation Theory
- Working with Refugees and
- Survivors of War
- Grief and Bereavement Certificate courses
- Grief Counselling
- Traumatic Bereavement
- Bereavement Support Groups: Advanced Facilitator Training
- Counselling for Pet Loss
- Internal Family Systems Level One, Two, and Three Training
- EMDR (EMDRIA approved Basic Training)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Compassion Fatigue (Dr. Gabor Mate)
- Working with the elderly
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Mate)
- Gottman Couple Therapy Level I
- Depression Treatment for Older Adults
- Disaster Mental Health Counselling (in progress)

