Natan HarPaz, PhD, MSW, CGP, FAGPA

Philosophy

I view psychotherapy as a process of liberation from anxiety, fears and depression which manifest themselves in physiological symptoms and emotional difficulties. My psychotherapy is a relational process in which I am the instrument of change. Over years of diligent and committed work, I endeavor to gain the respect and trust of my patients so that they can follow me into areas that they would not dare enter by themselves. Infantile and childhood fears have compromised their life and only a competent therapist who has developed and worked through his/her own infantile fears can help them resolve those early issues and gain competence and new coping mechanisms to deal with life's difficulties.

For almost 40 years of doing psychotherapy, I have learned many ways to treat my patients. They include verbal, nonverbal and bodywork interventions. However, my primary focus is my cherished relationships with my patients which are based on a real relationship of mutual respect and trust. I believe that for many of them coming to see me is their last effort to reach out to someone who will hear and see their pain. After many years of my own personal work and training, my ability to hear and see has greatly improved. No therapist can take a patient places where he himself has not been.

I have been involved in martial arts for the past ten years and have acquired a Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate. Hiking in the Swiss Alps and kayaking are a few of the things I love to do in my spare time. But I enjoy being a father to two adult children and a grandfather (Sabasan) to my three lovely grandchildren the most.

Education

• Midrasha College of Hebrew Studies | Bachelor of Arts - Hebrew Language
• Wayne State University | Bachelor of Science - Chemistry and Psychology
• Wayne State University | Master of Social Work
• The Fielding Institute | Doctor of Philosophy - Clinical Psychology

Training

• Bar-Levav Educational Association | Fellow, Intensive Individual and Group Psychotherapy

Certifications

• Michigan Licensed Social Worker
• Certified Group Psychotherapist | Licensed Master of Social Work

Professional Organizations

• Fellow | American Group Psychotherapy Association
• Executive Council Member | American Academy of Psychotherapists
• Contributing Editor | Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy
• American Psychological Association
• Michigan Psychological Association
• Michigan Group Psychotherapy Society