About Me
​
Hi, I’m Natasha Wakefield, a Registered Psychotherapist (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) with a Master’s degree in Counselling and over 20 years of experience supporting couples, families, individuals, and groups.
​
In my work, I focus on creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can truly be yourself. My approach blends attachment-focused, trauma-informed, evidence-based talk therapy with the natural healing presence of horses and nature.
​
Research in neuroscience shows that our path away from anxiety and depression-and toward well-being-comes through connection. Together, we’ll strengthen and reshape your most important feelings, beliefs, and relationships, helping you feel more grounded, connected, and fulfilled. My goal is to make sure you always feel safe, seen, and heard as we work toward healing and growth.
​
A Little More About Me
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll probably find me on my small horse farm outside Uxbridge, spending time with my husband of 25 years, our two daughters, and our lively crew of animals-three horses, three dogs, and two cats. Family (both human and furry!) means everything to me, and I love any chance to learn, work, play, or just relax together.
​
I also love to laugh and have fun. Whether I’m playing games, learning new skills, or taking on challenges that push me out of my comfort zone, I try to live by Brené Brown’s words: “Choose courage over comfort.”
In the past few years, I’ve been learning to use a jigsaw, run a chainsaw, chop wood, snowmobile (sort of), paint, and even picked up pickleball, golf, and curling—just to name a few!
My Qualifications
I’m Natasha Wakefield, a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling and bring over 20 years of clinical experience working with couples, families, individuals, and groups. My goal is to help people heal, grow, and strengthen their most important relationships.
​
As an active member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment where every client feels understood and valued.
At the heart of my work is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the core belief that connection is everything. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Sue Johnson and the EFT model—not only for shaping my professional approach, but for transforming my own relationships and deepening the way I experience love and connection.
​
I also draw inspiration from Dr.​ Brene Brown's work on vulnerability, courage, and wholehearted living. Her research continually reminds me of the importance of authenticity and self-compassion, both in my personal life and in the therapy room. As Brené says, I strive every day to stay “awkward, brave, and kind.”
​
My practice is further enriched by Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy(DDP), a model that helps families understand and respond to challenging behaviors with empathy and connection. Using a Playful, Accepting, Curious, and Empathic (PACE) approach, I support parents and children in building trust, healing wounds, and fostering lasting resilience.
​
More about my Preferred models of Therapy
​
I provide a unique blend of attachment focused, trauma informed, evidence based therapy with the healing power of horses and nature. Decades of neuroscience tells us that the path to health and happiness is through connection with others (One example is the Harvard Study on Human Happiness). I will help you understand, strengthen and restructure your most important relationships, leading you to a more satisfying life.
​
I work from a trauma informed, attachment focused lens. I believe that human emotions and behaviour make sense, sometimes we just need to stay curious a little longer. While emotions are valid and inform us, our behaviours when we are hurt or sad do not result in the comfort and connection we long for. I will help you restructure the emotion - behaviour loop, in an effort to bring you the love and security that you crave.
I offer couple, individual and family counselling primarily based on Emotionally Focused Therapy. Emotionally Focused Therapy, or EFT, uses science to make sense of what doesn't make sense...why do perfectly intelligent, functioning individuals act so irrationally when it comes to the most important relationships in their lives? Through the use of EFT, I will help you make sense of your emotions and behaviour and map out what happens in your closest relationships. EFT is a researched, proven method to provide long term change in the way we all move together finding deeper love, connection, and understanding.
I also use a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), which compliments EFT. This model has its theoretical underpinnings based on attachment (or love), just as EFT does. Both models honour the effects of complex trauma and integrate the latest research in brain science. DDP was first developed to heal the bonds of attachment with adopted or foster children, but has since been modified and researched as an effective framework and model of therapy for distressed families. I am also deeply influenced by the work of Brene Brown. You may have seen her on TED Talks or Oprah. Her thoughts around shame resilience and the path toward wholeheartedness are life altering. Like EFT, her theories and strategies are founded in research, and have personally and professionally changed me in how I live, work and love.
Why Matatoa?
Matatoa is the name of my beloved horse farm that my family and I call home. This farm was a dream in the making for over a decade before we managed to make it a reality, and to be honest it is still very much a work in progress. The word Matatoa is a Maori word that means fearless, courageous or unafraid which are all qualities we needed to take the chance to move here, leave my position as Clinical Manager of a large Children's Mental Health Organization, and build our lives. The Maoris are native New Zealanders, the original inhabitants of the country where I was born and to which I hold a deep affinity. Welcome to Matatoa!
Welcome to Matatoa
I’m so glad you’re here, and I’m excited to begin this journey with you.
​
What Happens Next?
I offer a free consultation call, which I highly recommend. This is your chance to get a sense of who I am, ask any questions you may have, and share a bit about what you’re experiencing. After our call, I’ll set you up in my secure online portal, send over the necessary forms, and you’ll be able to book your first session.
You can schedule through the Book Now feature or email me directly, and I’ll let you know my earliest availability.
If you’re ready to begin right away and prefer to skip the consultation call, simply send me an email and I’ll get everything set up for you.
I’m currently accepting new clients and generally have openings within a week. I intentionally keep more available appointment slots than active clients so that everyone can be seen in a timely manner.
​
How Quickly Does Therapy Work?
​This varies from person to person and depends on your goals, who is attending therapy, and the experiences you bring with you. Many couples without significant trauma histories begin to see meaningful, lasting change in approximately 12 sessions. More complex histories may require additional time, while families may notice shifts more quickly. Progress depends on the complexity of your story, the support systems around you, and the work you do between sessions.
​
​
Will it be covered by my Insurance?
I am a Registered Psychotherapist, and most insurance providers cover this designation. Please confirm with your provider beforehand to ensure clarity around your coverage.