Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Green
Hi Natasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello! I am Natasha Green. I am a licensed clinical counselor and registered art therapist. I fell in love with drawing at a very young age. I grew up with an artist as a dad. As I got older, I found myself often being the mediator for friends and had a huge amount of empathy towards others. Coincidentally, my dad was also a counselor. When I began college, my major was psychology. Before the start of my junior year, I felt that I would regret it if I did not follow my passion of art, so I changed my major to art and graduated with my bachelor’s degree. A few years after graduating, and not using my art degree, I found myself searching for careers that involved art and creativity. This is when I discovered the field of art therapy. I returned to the University of Minnesota to complete my few remaining psychology credits before applying to Adler Graduate School’s art therapy master’s program. After obtaining my master’s degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy and Adlerian Art Therapy, and completing 2 years under supervision, I received my art therapy registration and my license as a professional clinical counselor. I started my private practice Green Amethyst Art Therapy and opened my studio space Green Amethyst Healing Grounds.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Pursuing my master’s degree at 27 years old came with its challenges. I was married with 2 children when I began graduate school and became pregnant with my 3rd child a year in. I recall doing an assignment 2 weeks postpartum in which I had to write an essay on Jeffrey Dahmer and record a video defending my stance on it. I recently found the video and I am nearly whispering in it with the glimpse of a bassinet to my side. During graduate school I was working a full-time job and had a part-time internship. Looking back, I am amazed at how persistent and motivated I was to complete school (and definitely do not have the energy now 9 years later!) I would not have been able to obtain my master’s degree without the support and help of my husband, mom, and sister. My husband and I saved on childcare costs by working opposite shifts. He worked during the day, and I worked 3:30 to midnight. My mom would watch the kids during the overlap hour between our shifts. My sister would help out on her days off to allow me to go to my internship site. I worked those late-night shifts, got home at 1am, and was up with the kids 7am the next mornings. I sacrificed weekday dinners with my family and events and holidays with friends and family if they fell on my every other weekend that I worked. It was difficult, but temporary, and well worth the current lifestyle I am able to have!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently own my private practice, Green Amethyst Art Therapy, where I provide art therapy (and some traditional talk therapy) services to individuals dealing with life challenges and difficulties. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and trauma. I use a neuroscience trauma informed art therapy approach infused with Adlerian theories and concepts. I conduct my therapy services at my art studio Green Amethyst Healing Grounds. Other than therapy, I host retreats, open art studios, and collaborate with other healers to offer groups to the community. As a Black and Japanese woman, I collaborate with other healers of color and host some events specifically for the BIPOC community.
The name Green Amethyst came from a combination of my last name and my birthstone. I was gifted a green amethyst gemstone ring by my mom and upon looking up the meaning I found that it aligned with my professional identity. The green variation of an amethyst stone, which is usually purple, is known as the heart awakening gem. It symbolizes healing, health and wellness, self-love, inner peace, insight, and calms challenging relationships. It is said to cure depression, anxiety, and stress. The affirmation associated with the stone is “my body and spirit are aligned and united through my heart”.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a shy child. I didn’t like ordering my own food at restaurants or talking to people I didn’t know. I remember at 16 years old still having my sister order for me through the drive thru even though I was the one driving! I was, and still am, an introvert which surprises many clients of mine. I prefer deep one on one conversations versus being around many people, so I think being a therapist aligns with that part of me. I got along with pretty much everyone and tried to avoid drama as best I could. I enjoyed reading books and writing short stories or poetry. I have always been an empath and feel things very deeply. I have been an artist ever since I can remember! I used to focus on drawing people, pets, and still life, but explored other media while in college. I was co-captain of my high school dance team and danced a little bit in college as well. I enjoyed watching basketball and of course as a 90s kid I was a Chicago Bulls fan for a while. As a child, I always knew I wanted to own my own business and be my own boss. I am proud that I was not afraid to put in the hard work to get to where I am now!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greenamethysthealing.com
- Instagram: @greenamethystarttherapy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenamethystarttherapy
