Natalie Castonguay, RN, BScN, CpedN(C), CPMHN(C)

 Described by my peers as a "disruptive innovator," I am passionate about making healthcare more accessible for both clients and providers. My journey is defined by a dynamic, comprehensive commitment to wellness that challenges conventional boundaries and embraces holistic, evidence-based approaches.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, my vision extends beyond traditional healthcare models. I hold a graduate certificate in animal-assisted wellness, reflecting my belief in the transformative power of human-animal connections in therapeutic settings. With a graduate degree in psychotherapy, I have deepened my expertise in mental health, approaching care through a nuanced and holistic lens. As I work toward a Master of Nursing Science to become a Nurse Practitioner, I remain dedicated to evolving alongside the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

I hold Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing and Pediatric Nursing certifications from the Canadian Nurses Association. My expertise is further shaped by specialized training in autism and direct experience supporting autistic individuals, which drives my advocacy for bridging gaps in a siloed medical system.

Beyond clinical practice, I advocate for patient rights in health care and enjoy supervising and educating fellow professionals. I recently co-authored several chapters in a new reference book for nurses practicing psychotherapy. My dedication to advancing nursing research fuels my passion for evidence-based practice and continuous learning, ensuring I contribute to healthcare's evolution in practice and academia.

My diverse certifications in various therapeutic approaches provide me with a well-rounded perspective on mental health treatment. I am committed to delivering culturally competent, affirming, and inclusive client-centred care in French and English, ensuring everyone receives personalized and respectful healthcare.

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Certified in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (C)anada - CPMHN(C), Canadian Nurses Association

• Certified in Pediatric Nursing (C)anada - CpedN(C), Canadian Nurses Association

• Autism Specialized Advanced Training for Mental Health Providers

• Developmental Disabilities & Sexuality Educator and Trainer (2024)

• Sandplay Therapy

• Certified Provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

• Compassion Focused Therapy

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy

• Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Ontario Core Health

• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills Level 3

• Grief & Bereavement Support Training

• Advanced Motivational Interviewing

• Brainspotting (Level 1)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• College of Nurses of Ontario (Registration #12512131)

• Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Member

• Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, Professional Member

• Canadian Nurses Association, Nurse General Member

• Canadian Association of Pediatric Nurses, General Member

• Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses, General Member

• Nurse Psychotherapist Association of Ontario, Member

• Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies, Member

• Brainspotting Association of Canada, Member

• Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA), Member

AUTHORIZED PROVIDER

• VAC

• NIHB

• VQRP+

• SSP

PUBLICATIONS

The Nurses’ Guide to Psychotherapy

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4738-2