Dr. Natalie Zaragoza's story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and commitment to collective healing. As a proud second-generation Latina, she has been guided by a passion for fostering inclusive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered. Born and raised in Norco, Southern California, she takes immense pride in her cultural identity and being the first in her immediate family to attend college and graduate school. This journey of perseverance laid the foundation for her dedication to creating healing environments.
Growing up in spaces where her experience was not always reflected or heard, Dr. Zaragoza developed a strong desire to cultivate spaces where others could feel truly seen and valued. Over time, finding her voice—and receiving mentorship along the way—helped her recognize the power of connection and the importance of representation. Through her professional journey, particularly in group work and leadership, she clarified what authentic connection looks like and how it can be intentionally cultivated. This lived experience fuels her commitment to ensuring others, especially those from underrepresented communities, feel heard and not alone.
Her academic journey began at Cal State Fullerton, where an early exposure to psychology sparked her interest in mental health. She later pursued a Master of Science and Doctorate in Marital and Family Therapy at Loma Linda University (LLU), where she transitioned from student to alumna to adjunct faculty member. LLU provided a supportive environment that helped her develop a strong foundation in systemic therapy and furthered her identity as a relational therapist. Leading the experiential training group in the MS MFT program also deepened her passion for group work, emphasizing the transformative power of relational dynamics.
Dr. Zaragoza's therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that healing goes beyond surface-level change. As an attachment-based and emotionally focused therapist, she supports clients in exploring their intra- and interpersonal lives, helping them understand the behavioral and relational patterns that shape their experiences. Her work fosters deeper connection and wholeness by prioritizing the creation of a safe, welcoming space to address trauma, addiction, recovery, and relational challenges. With comprehensive training in family systems, social justice, and holistic care, she embraces a non-pathological, culturally attuned, and strength-based perspective on wellness.
This commitment to holistic healing also shapes her leadership in the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA), a local affiliate of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. As co-president, Dr. Zaragoza leads strategic planning with Charles Zeng and is committed to making GPALA an inclusive space for students, early career professionals, seasoned clinicians, and those outside the mental health field. GPALA's mission is to increase access to high-quality, inclusive groups and elevate group work as a powerful tool for improving individual and relational well-being. Reflecting on this, she shared, "All of life is group work. We live life in groups. Whether it's our families, communities, classrooms, workplaces, or even the identities we carry—so much of who we are is shaped in relationship to others."
She believes diverse perspectives enrich the group therapy process and help create more inclusive and healing spaces. "Group therapy creates a living, breathing space where people can practice new ways of relating, experience themselves differently, and begin to feel that they truly belong. If you have ever considered wanting to deepen your personal work, I highly recommend attending a group," she shared.
Dr. Zaragoza also uses group work to address broader social and community issues by bringing people together to improve coexistence. She emphasizes that group therapy can benefit not only individuals but also communities, offering opportunities to learn how to listen to one another and cultivate collective healing. Under her leadership, GPALA recently offered a free training on group psychological first aid in response to the Los Angeles wildfires, serving as a model for community-centered care. To learn more about outreach or request a training, contact [email protected]. For information on available groups, visit gpala.org/groups.
Today, Dr. Zaragoza leads her private practice, Dr. Natalie Zaragoza and Associates, where she offers trauma-informed, holistic care grounded in evidence-based, humanistic approaches. She remains dedicated to mentoring future mental health professionals and fostering inclusive environments that support well-being. She also brings expertise in group facilitation and program consultancy, contributing to diverse community initiatives. To learn more about her work, visit nataliezaragoza.com.
Written by Audrey I. Perez, AMFT, Systems, Families, & Couples PhD student