Ru Nataraj, LCSW, MSW

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I work with individuals who have been through a lot and are often carrying more than most people can see. Many of my clients come in feeling overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves after years of stress, trauma, chronic health issues, or complex relationship dynamics.  My approach is trauma informed, attachment based, and grounded in an understanding of how the nervous system responds to stress and adversity. I focus on helping clients feel safer in their bodies, make sense of their emotional reactions, and build practical ways to cope with daily life while we work through deeper patterns over time. I integrate approaches such as EMDR, parts based work, and skills drawn from CBT, always tailoring treatment to the individual rather than forcing a one size fits all model.

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I am especially experienced in working with complex trauma, anxiety,  shame, racial trauma, and the emotional impact of chronic illness. I understand how trauma can show up as irritability, shutdown, perfectionism, avoidance, or feeling numb rather than as clear memories or emotions. Therapy with me is collaborative and paced carefully, with attention to both emotional safety and real world functioning. I strive to create a space where clients feel respected, understood, and not rushed to “fix” themselves. My goal is to help people reconnect with their sense of agency, self trust, and capacity to move forward in a way that feels sustainable and grounded.

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In my work with couples, I focus on helping partners understand the patterns they get stuck in rather than placing blame on either person. I draw from attachment based therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method to help couples slow down conflict, strengthen communication, and rebuild trust and emotional connection. Many couples I work with feel disconnected, misunderstood, or caught in cycles of reactivity that escalate quickly. Therapy is structured, collaborative, and focused on helping both partners develop greater emotional awareness, practical communication skills, and more secure ways of relating to one another.

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Outside of the office, I spend time making music in an indie pop band and planning travel adventures. Creativity is an important grounding and healing space for me, and I value incorporating it thoughtfully for clients who are drawn to that approach as well.