Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalie Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Natalie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My mother did many things right and she was ahead of her time. Regarding my life and career, she was encouraging and nonjudgmental. In the 1980’s, she was visiting therapists while counseling was still very taboo and associated with “psychotic breakdowns”. If she didn’t connect with the therapist, she moved on and found another. I have to chuckle because I remember when she finally found a therapist she clicked with and then proceeded to recruit half the family!
It impacted me greatly because I learned to never give up on finding the support you need. She showed me that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a step toward reaching your fullest potential. I also learned to always be curious and open minded. I received my first counseling certification in 2001 when counseling wasn’t a typical career path for people of color.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My career in the mental health industry was totally unplanned. After encountering two students experiencing suicidal ideations and selective mutism during my middle school student teaching assignment my senior year in college, I decided to become a school counselor. For over 20 years, I provided individual and group counseling in public schools, a non-profit counseling center, and currently as the Founder and Owner of The Remix Center, a full-service mental health practice that specializes in stress management and grief.

For women leaders seeking to reclaim their balance and well-being, we offer transformative mental health support that ensures that our clients regain control and pursue their personal and professional goals.  Our results-driven approach empowers our clients to manage stress effectively, improve their quality of life, and navigate their careers with confidence.  

For companies and school districts, we specialize in providing services that foster increased productivity, retention, and overall well-being. Our offerings include employee well-being assessments, workshops, consultations, and wellness programs.

What I’m most proud of is the caliber of therapists in the practice. Each of us has over two decades of experience and are passionate about helping our clients overcome mental health challenges and providing transformative care. Whether you’re an individual seeking support or an organization looking to invest in the well-being of your team,
we pride ourselves on offering customized, results-driven counseling services.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

To get the funding needed to start my practice, I worked three jobs and sacrificed the thing I love the most, traveling with friends. It was not easy, and I would have some lengthy counseling sessions if my clients told me they were doing that. However, I had a vision and had calculated the cost. I’m grateful that by the time it became physically and mentally unsustainable, I had enough saved to resign from two of the jobs. I learned the importance of researching the costs and planning ahead.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I specialize in stress and burnout because I remember how it felt to be overwhelmed and stuck. During the pandemic, I had to pivot in my career. I had been a school counselor for 18 years. Although, I loved providing mental, emotional, and academic support for my students and resources for their families, I felt backed into a corner. Years prior, I had started the process of earning two mental health provider licenses but didn’t stay committed. I realized really quickly that I had to finish what I started. Within three years, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. The dedication has paid off tremendously by increasing my job satisfaction and confidence. The pivot reignited my passion for helping others and showed me that it’s never too late to make a change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theremixcenter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asktheremixcenter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557898727082&mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theremixcenterpllc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AskTheRemixCenter