Ms Charlene MacPherson, MSW

Licensed Independent Social Worker

verified by TherapyRoute

“NAT20 Therapy's mission is to empower individuals through therapeutically applied role-playing games (TA-RPGs), such as Dungeons & Dragons, to foster personal growth, develop social skills, and enhance emotional well-being in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. We are dedicated to promoting self-awareness, social responsibility, and collective empowerment, with a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility for all individuals, including neurodivergent, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities. ”

About Me

Charlene received her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and currently has 15+ years of experience practicing in the mental health field. She has been licensed since 2010, and also maintains a double certification as a Therapeutic Game Master from both Geek Therapeutics and Game to Grow. She is currently preparing for her PHD program as well as publishing the NAT20 Way as a tool to help therapists create their own RPG Therapeutic Games.

Approach

Being neuro-affirming means we celebrate your unique brain, thought patterns, and ways of processing, rather than trying to ‘normalize’ you. No Masking here Our approach focuses on validation, empowerment, and inclusion, creating a supportive space where your strengths are recognized and your challenges are met with understanding—not judgment. We provide tools, guidance, and practices designed to support your individuality, helping you thrive in a way that feels authentic to you.

Contact Charlene

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Linthicum Heights, United States

Services

NAT20 Therapy offers both individual therapy and Therapeutically Applied RPG Social Skills groups for teens (14-17) and adults (25 and up). They also have specific group offerings like "Galaxy Brain Quest" for adult neurodivergent individuals (30+) and "Restoration Quest" for adult self-care, as well as teen-focused "Creative Campaigners" and "Art of Resilience" groups.

Services Offered:

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Adolescent Therapy
Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.
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CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
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Consultation
An initial meeting with a therapist to discuss concerns, ask questions, and determine whether they are the right fit.
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Drama Therapy
A form of therapy that uses role-play, storytelling, and movement as tools for emotional expression and exploration.
Learn more about Drama Therapy
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Expressive Arts Therapy
A therapeutic approach that combines visual art, music, movement, writing, and drama as channels for emotional expression and processing.
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Group Therapy
Therapy conducted with a small group of people who share similar concerns, using peer interaction and diverse perspectives as part of the healing process.
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Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.
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Trauma Counselling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
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Social Work
A profession that supports individuals and families with mental health, welfare, housing, and access to community resources.
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Coaching
A goal-oriented practice focused on identifying objectives, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, centred on the present and future rather than past difficulties.

Works With:

•Adolescents
•Adults
•Groups
•Individuals
•Families
•Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

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ADHD / Attention Difficulties
A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.
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Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
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Autism (ASD)
A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.
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Depression
A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.
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Family Issues
Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.
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Gender Identity & Self-Image
A person's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth, and the distress or exploration that can accompany this.
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Mood Disorder
A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.
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PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
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Women's Issues
Psychological challenges more commonly experienced by women, including gender-based stress, reproductive health concerns, body image, caregiving burden, and societal expectations.
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Trauma
The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.
Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

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Licensed Independent Social Worker
A social worker licensed to practise independently, providing therapy and social services without required supervision.