About Dr. Natalie Masson
Although my first degree was in electrical engineering, I've always felt that psychology was my natural calling. After a brief stint as an engineer, I embarked upon graduate education in psychology at the University of Southern California. I completed a pre-doctoral internship at Yale University then returned to Los Angeles to complete my PhD at USC in 1999. I have been a licensed clinical psychologist in San Diego since 2001. I spent two years providing counseling for cardiac patients at the Scripps Integrative Medicine Center and since 2002, I have been practicing privately in San Diego, California.
My greatest passion in psychology is understanding interactions between the mind and body. Our breathing is an extremely valuable tool for connecting with both body and mind, and as a result, I have extensively explored the nature of breathing from both physiological and psychological perspectives. I have developed a system for teaching optimal breathing, which I call Restorative Breathing. I incorporate these tools into my psychotherapy work and into classes and workshops. I believe that understanding the mind-body connection and supporting our body's natural functioning is going to be the next significant wave in health and wellness innovation.
My interest in mind-body practices and my entrepreneurial nature led me to a brief stint of owning a small yoga studio across the street from my private practice (Akasha Yoga, July 2008 through July 2010). I oversaw the yoga programs and I offered a variety of classes and workshops on relaxation, breathing and meditation. Most recently I have been developing mind-body tools for supporting fertility naturally, particularly for women who are struggling with age-related fertility challenges.
Outside the field of psychology, my personal interests that influence my work and reflect my personality include performing arts, dance, athletics, meditation, yoga, breathing, and bodywork. I grew up in a mixed-culture family (Vietnamese/American) and enjoy helping clients who are navigating cultural issues in their families.
I have two daughters (ages 6 and 10) and have been enjoying homeschooling since 2020. I am maintaining a small part-time practice while also creating online support programs for women going through fertility challenges, pregnancy and early motherhood.
Learn more about my fertility-focused programs at Fertility from the Soul.
My greatest passion in psychology is understanding interactions between the mind and body. Our breathing is an extremely valuable tool for connecting with both body and mind, and as a result, I have extensively explored the nature of breathing from both physiological and psychological perspectives. I have developed a system for teaching optimal breathing, which I call Restorative Breathing. I incorporate these tools into my psychotherapy work and into classes and workshops. I believe that understanding the mind-body connection and supporting our body's natural functioning is going to be the next significant wave in health and wellness innovation.
My interest in mind-body practices and my entrepreneurial nature led me to a brief stint of owning a small yoga studio across the street from my private practice (Akasha Yoga, July 2008 through July 2010). I oversaw the yoga programs and I offered a variety of classes and workshops on relaxation, breathing and meditation. Most recently I have been developing mind-body tools for supporting fertility naturally, particularly for women who are struggling with age-related fertility challenges.
Outside the field of psychology, my personal interests that influence my work and reflect my personality include performing arts, dance, athletics, meditation, yoga, breathing, and bodywork. I grew up in a mixed-culture family (Vietnamese/American) and enjoy helping clients who are navigating cultural issues in their families.
I have two daughters (ages 6 and 10) and have been enjoying homeschooling since 2020. I am maintaining a small part-time practice while also creating online support programs for women going through fertility challenges, pregnancy and early motherhood.
Learn more about my fertility-focused programs at Fertility from the Soul.
Education
1987-1991 BS Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California
1994-1999 PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Southern California
1998-1999 Pre-Doctoral Internship, Yale University
1994-1999 PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Southern California
1998-1999 Pre-Doctoral Internship, Yale University
Additional Training
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Guided Imagery
Clinical Hypnosis
Eye Movement Desensitazation & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Restorative Yoga
Guided Imagery
Clinical Hypnosis
Eye Movement Desensitazation & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Restorative Yoga
Licensing
I am licensed by the California Board of Psychology - License #PSY17895.