Natalie James M.S. LPC Mosaic Therapy

01/10/2026

It’s easy for any of us to fall into the habit of generalizing or stereotyping-especially around sensitive topics like politics, religion, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

These shortcuts in thinking often come from a desire to make sense of the world or protect ourselves from hurt. But here’s the truth: while understandable, these patterns can unintentionally create more division and polarization instead of the harmony most of us truly want.

Why does this happen?

When we’ve experienced hurt, offense, or trauma, our minds naturally look for ways to avoid being hurt again. Sometimes that means painting entire groups with the same brush. But this defense mechanism can turn into a cycle where offense breeds more offense, and walls go up instead of bridges being built.

You’ve probably heard the saying:

“Hurt people hurt people.”

This reminds us that pain often spills over into our words and actions-even when we don’t mean for it to. When we speak from a place of unhealed hurt, we risk passing that pain along.

So, what can we do instead?

* Pause and reflect: Before posting or speaking, ask, “Will this bring understanding or deepen division?”

* Own our words: Words carry weight. They can either heal or harm.

* Choose empathy over assumptions: Every person has a story. Stereotypes erase those stories and replace them with labels.

If your heart is for unity and peace, let your words reflect that intention. We all have the power to break the cycle- starting with self-awareness and accountability.

Let’s be voices that heal, not hurt. 💙

Your words matter. Use them to build bridges, not walls.

11/23/2025

"You can’t build a skyscraper on shaky ground. When your basic needs-like safety, food, and rest-are met, you create the foundation for growth, confidence, and purpose. Start with the essentials, then aim for the stars!

✨ Community Spotlight ✨
Today we want to shine a HUGE light on the amazing young ladies of Girl Scout Troop 807 of Newcastle! 💛

We at Mosaic wanted to share this beautiful moment with you all. Girl Scout Troop 807 from Newcastle recently surprised us with a generous donation for our Mosaic Pantry, and it truly touched our hearts. 💚🥫✨

Our pantry originally began as a temporary response during the SNAP benefits interruption, but because of the high demand and the real everyday need for food in our state, we made the decision to continue serving the community. Food insecurity affects far too many Oklahoma families, and support like this helps us keep going.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, this donation could not have come at a better time. Many families are struggling right now, and the generosity of these young ladies helps ensure that more homes have food on the table during the holiday season.

These amazing Girl Scouts stepped up and answered the call. Their kindness, leadership, and sense of community shine brightly, and Mosaic would like to express our deepest gratitude for their contribution and the example they are setting as future leaders.

If you would like to support the Mosaic Pantry through donations, volunteering, or helping families in need, you can give directly through our PayPal Giving link below. Every bit makes a difference.

Donate here:
https://paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/5634562

Thank you, Troop 807 for supporting the Mosaic Pantry! Your kindness helps families facing food insecurity in our community. Grateful for your generosity and leadership. 💛 Your impact is felt more than you know.

08/20/2025

💛💛💛

Your child is deciding what kind of person to be by figuring out the kind of person you are. Not by what you tell them, but by what you show them.

They’re watching how you treat others when no one is looking…

How you handle anger, how you speak the truth, how you sit with pain, how you rise after falling.

They’re learning what love looks like, what respect feels like, what courage requires.

We hope they’ll be kind, honest, brave, compassionate. But the truth is — they’re deciding what kind of person to be by studying what kind of person we are.

Sometimes we are their model. Sometimes we are their cautionary tale. Either way, who we are is shaping who they become.

It’s not really about who we want them to be. It’s about who we choose to be — every single day.

Because our children aren’t only listening to our words. They are sculpting themselves out of the daily evidence of our lives. ❤️

Follow for more

08/16/2025

🌟 You Have a Wise Mind 🌟

Sometimes we feel strong emotions. Other times we think with logic. But the best choices come when we use both—our heart and our head. 💛
This is called Wise Mind. It helps us:

- Stay calm and clear
- Make good decisions
- Feel our feelings without being overwhelmed

Wise Mind is already inside you. You don’t have to be perfect—just present. Take a deep breath, trust yourself, and move forward with kindness and strength. 🌈

07/24/2025

Lately, I’ve been sitting with a growing discomfort around how we talk about people who’ve broken the law. As a mental health professional, I see firsthand how labels like “criminal” can dehumanize, shame, and isolate people, often for life.

But here’s the truth: breaking the law isn’t rare. Most of us have done it in some form speeding, underage drinking, downloading music, etc. The difference? Some people get caught. Others don’t.

So why do we act like getting caught makes someone less worthy of dignity, rights, or compassion?

Psychologically speaking, when we label others as “bad” or “criminal,” it can be a defense mechanism, a way to distance ourselves from our own imperfections. But this mindset fuels stigma, not justice.

What if we shifted the narrative?
- From punishment to accountability.
- From shame to understanding.
- From exclusion to restoration.

Every person is more than their worst decision. And if we believe in growth and healing for ourselves, we must believe in it for others too.

Let’s challenge the idea that
someone’s worth ends where their record begins.

07/03/2025

🌱 Feeling overwhelmed? Try coping in a way that aligns with your values.
When life gets stressful, we often reach for whatever coping strategy is closest. But what if the most effective way to cope is the one that reflects what matters most to you?

✨ This is called value-aligned coping—and it works because:
✅ It boosts motivation (you’re more likely to stick with it).
✅ It adds meaning to your actions.
✅ It reduces internal conflict.
✅ It builds long-term resilience.

💡 Example:
If you value creativity, try journaling or painting when you're stressed.

If you value connection, call a friend.

If you value growth, read or learn something new.

Coping isn’t just about surviving—it’s about living in alignment with who you are. 💖

🔍 Want to try it? Start by asking yourself:
“What do I value most—and how can I honor that when I’m struggling?”

07/03/2025

06/18/2025

💙 June is Men’s Mental Health Month

I’ve always been passionate about breaking the stigma around men seeking support—and lately, I’ve been feeling incredibly hopeful. Over the past month, I’ve welcomed 6 new male clients, including several men over the age of 60. This is more than just a number—it’s a sign of a powerful shift happening right here in Oklahoma.

For too long, men have been told to “tough it out,” to stay silent, to carry the weight alone. But the truth is: seeking help is strength. And more men are realizing that now.

What’s even more inspiring? The challenges these men are working through are deeply human and universal. Just like my female clients, many of my male clients are:

🔹 Exploring who they are in different stages of life
🔹 Learning emotional regulation and how to express their feelings
🔹 Building healthier communication skills and relationships

Mental health isn’t about weakness—it’s about growth, healing, and becoming the best version of yourself. And every man who walks through my door is a reminder that change is possible, and that vulnerability is a form of courage.

To all the men out there: You are not alone. Your story matters. Your healing matters. And there is no shame in seeking support.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves and each other. 💬💪

06/07/2025

🌼 Glimmers & Growth 🌼
Have you heard of glimmers? They’re the tiny moments that spark joy, calm, or connection—like little lights for your nervous system. ✨

Today, I found a glimmer in the most beautiful way: through flowers from a local small business -💐 Blossom and Bee
Flower Farm! Just looking at them brought a sense of peace and happiness. And the more I admired them—from every angle—the more glimmers I felt. It was a gentle reminder to slow down and soak in the beauty around me.

Mental health isn’t just about managing the hard stuff—it’s also about noticing the good.

Glimmers help us build resilience and reconnect with the present moment. 🌿

If you’re looking for a little light today, maybe start with something simple and beautiful. Like flowers. Or a smile. Or a deep breath.
Support local. Savor the small things. And keep looking for your glimmers. 💛

05/19/2025

🚀 Break Free from the Drama Triangle & Step into Empowerment! 🚀

Ever feel stuck in toxic relationship patterns? You might be caught in Karpman’s Drama Triangle—a cycle of Victim, Rescuer, and Persecutor roles that keep us trapped in unhealthy dynamics.

🔺 Victim: Feels powerless, seeks rescue.
🔺 Rescuer: Overextends to "save" others, enabling dependency.
🔺 Persecutor: Blames, criticizes, and controls.

But here’s the good news—you can shift to the Empowerment Triangle!

✨ Creator: Takes ownership of their life and choices.
✨ Coach: Supports others without enabling.
✨ Challenger: Encourages growth with constructive feedback.

Understanding these triangles is key to mental health and stronger relationships. When we step out of drama and into empowerment, we cultivate self-awareness, emotional resilience, and healthier connections.

💡 Therapeutic Tip: Next time you feel pulled into the Drama Triangle, pause and ask:
✔️ Am I taking responsibility for my emotions and actions?
✔️ Am I supporting others in a way that fosters independence?
✔️ Am I communicating with clarity and respect?



https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-mental-health/202409/caught-in-the-drama-triangle

05/03/2025

As a mental health counselor in OKC, I am deeply saddened to share that federal funding to Palomar, our vital domestic violence treatment center, has been cut. This center is a lifeline for countless individuals and families in crisis, providing essential support and resources that SAVE lives.

Why Palomar Matters:
Life-Saving Services: Palomar offers critical services such as emergency shelter, legal assistance, counseling, and more to those escaping domestic violence.

Community Impact: The center plays a crucial role in our community, helping survivors rebuild their lives and find safety and stability.

Support for Professionals: The funding cuts will severely impact mental health professionals like myself, limiting our ability to provide comprehensive care to clients in need.

The Ripple Effect:
Reduced Staff & Resources: With limited funding, Palomar will struggle to maintain its current level of service, affecting the productivity and effectiveness of the agency.

Impact on Clients: Survivors of domestic violence may face longer wait times and reduced access to critical support, putting their safety and well-being at risk.

Mental Health Field: These cuts not only affect Palomar but also the broader mental health community, as we rely on such facilities to provide holistic care to our clients.

We must come together to support Palomar and advocate for the restoration of its funding. Every voice counts in ensuring that this essential resource remains available to those who need it most. 💔

Palomar: Oklahoma City's Family Justice Center serves those who are fleeing domestic abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault or criminal violence. Each year, Palomar serves around 6,000 victims, but now federal cuts are threatening its services.

Link to the full story is in the comments below.

05/02/2025

🌟 Coping with Hurt from the Silent Treatment 🌟

When a loved one gives you the silent treatment, it can be deeply hurtful. Understanding why they might be doing this can help you cope. Here are some reasons and ways to find meaning and understanding:

🔍 Reasons for the Silent Treatment:

◦ Lack of Self-Awareness: Confused or overwhelmed by emotions.
◦ Conflict Avoidance: Feels unsafe to explain their feelings.
◦ Lack of Communication Skills: Doesn't know how to express themselves.
◦ Punishment: Silence used to control or gain power.
◦ Revenge: Wants to make you feel bad.
◦ Appearances: Doesn't want to seem abusive to others.
◦ Denial: Avoids taking responsibility.

💡 Finding Meaning and Understanding:

Pause and Reflect: Step back and gain clarity.

Gather Information: Consider all aspects of the situation.

Empathy: Put yourself in their shoes.
Communication: Have an open, honest conversation.

✨ Benefits of This Approach:

Reduces Misunderstandings: Understand the full context.

Promotes Healing: Foster empathy and compassion.

Empowers You: Gain control over your emotions.