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About Me

I’m Natalie Southward – a wife, mom, counselor, speaker, and author. For more than 20 years, I’ve been walking with people through some of life’s hardest and most meaningful moments. My heart has always been to create space where people can be real, face what hurts, and leave with hope and tools to take the next step forward.

A Glimpse Into My Life

I wear many hats, but family is my heartbeat. I’m married to my best friend, Eric, and a mom to three amazing kids. My oldest daughter is 28 years old, my middle daughter is 12 years old, and my son is 9 years old; they keep us on our toes and fill our life with laughter, love, and memories that will last a lifetime. 

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I also have lived life and have experienced life’s challenges. I’ve  walked through my share of loss and heartache. Grief has been a personal teacher in my life, shaping the way I see people, purpose, and healing. However, I am a powerhouse with a purpose, legacy in motion. Those experiences, along with my faith, fuel everything I do.

My Professional Journey

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Clinical Supervisor in the state of Florida, and the Founder and Director of Life Transformation Counseling. I am also the assistant director at Southward Elite Basketball where I get to support  my family's love of basketball. Over the years, I’ve trained and specialized in areas that matter deeply to me and to the people I serve:

  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

  • Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS)

  • Brainspotting Practitioner

  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

  • Gottman Method Couples Training

  • Extensive experience in counseling, coaching, and leadership development

 

These certifications aren’t just letters after my name they are tools I use to meet people where they are, whether that’s in moments of crisis, seasons of growth, or steps toward resilience and thriving.

My Heart for Speaking & Training

While I love the one-on-one work of counseling, I also thrive when stepping into rooms filled with people — whether that’s a corporate seminar, a podcast studio, a church conference, or a women’s event. Speaking gives me the chance to bring encouragement, practical tools, and honest conversation to a wider audience.

 

I’ve been honored to speak on topics such as:

  • Grief, trauma, and resilience

  • Self-care and burnout prevention

  • Anxiety, depression, and recovery

  • Marriage, communication, and relationships

  • Empowerment and purpose

  • Mental health and wellness in the workplace

  • Faith, leadership, and calling

 

No matter the platform, my heart is the same: to help people step into the best version of themselves. I believe with all my being that we were created to thrive, not just survive.

Why I Do This Work

The truth is, I’m not just a counselor and speaker — I’m a fellow traveler. I know what it’s like to wrestle with grief, to feel the weight of trauma, and to question purpose. I also know what it’s like to find hope again, to build resilience, and to discover strength you didn’t know you had. That’s why I do this work — not because I have all the answers, but because I’ve seen firsthand how healing and growth are possible.

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