Natalie Blue

Natalie Blue is the Co-Founder and Chief Mission Officer of The Artful Life Counseling Center and Studio located in Salem MA. The Artful Life is a unique group practice that provides an accessible, affordable, alternative to traditional mental health counseling through expressive arts therapies and other holistic interactive modalities. Natalie has practiced as a therapist on the North Shore for 18 years specializing in Expressive Arts Therapies, trauma-informed care, EMDR and Internal Family Systems. Prior to co-founding The Artful Life in 2016, Natalie worked in various North Shore community agencies such as The Northeast ARC, Family Continuity and Children’s Friend and Family Services. Natalie has also been an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department at Endicott College and at Lesley University training the next generation of therapists. In addition to managing a small clinical caseload, Natalie oversees the ‘creative vision’ of The Artful Life by building brand awareness, developing partnerships for community programs, and strengthening referral networks for new clients. Natalie also helps develop in-house staff trainings, consultation programs, and supports staff through clinical supervision and building their caseloads. Natalie and her business partner, Madelene Pario, were awarded by the SBA, Best Women Owned Business of 2023 and were a 2018 finalist in the Salem State Enterprise Center Business Plan Competition. Natalie is a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors for the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

Natalie was selected to participate in the LEADS North Shore Fellows for 2023/24. LEADS is a 10-month Executive Fellowship program that is developed and delivered in partnership with Faculty/Staff from Harvard Business School. LEADS fellows are diverse, cross-sectional leaders, already working in positions of influence and committed to making positive change in the greater Lynn, Salem, Peabody and/or Beverly communities.

Natalie has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy from Lesley University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Saint Peter’s University in NJ. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and is currently pursuing certification in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).