Meet Julia
As a counselor, I show up as my authentic, neurodivergent, queer self. My hope is that in living my full, authentic life, it will be easier for you to do the same. I want to work collaboratively with you to create a space and therapeutic style that works best for you.
I want to work WITH you, not for you.
I encourage self-exploration and self-questioning as a way to learn more about you. I strive to change people’s outlook on counseling as something that has a strict timeline. For me, I aim to not only help you with the concerns that originally may have brought you into therapy, but also want to emphasize the importance of taking care of your mental well-being long-term. Everyone’s therapeutic journey and timeline are different, and no journey is better than another. It is profoundly meaningful to be invited into someone’s inner world, and a privilege I never take lightly.
Trauma Work
I deeply understand that trauma affects every aspect of your life. I approach every session with the intention of creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and respected. You can expect me to show up as a compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental presence. My primary focus is to help you reclaim control over your life, process the trauma safely, and rebuild your sense of self-worth and safety.
Disability & Chronic Health Conditions
As someone who has been impacted by chronic pain, illness, and disability, I recognize that this is an ongoing, often complex experience that impacts every aspect of the life you live. I operate from an understanding that our society is built for non-disabled individuals – many societal barriers reinforce experiences of ableism, isolation, and overall feelings of oppression. I am passionate about deconstructing the narratives we have that come from internalized ableism, and reconstructing a worldview that honors your capacity, not just your productivity. I believe your worth is not conditional on being ‘resilient’ or ‘inspirational.’
Neurodivergence & Identity
As a neurodivergent person myself, I know the work it takes to unlearn shame and make space for the parts of ourselves that have been misunderstood or pathologized. I love working with folks navigating life with ADHD, Autism, OCD, and other forms of neurodivergence. Together, we can explore what it means to accept and support yourself instead of constantly trying to mask or adapt. That might look like learning new skills or unlearning old rules. It might also look like laughing at the absurdity of it all sometimes – because humor can be healing, too.
My style is authentic and challenging when it’s helpful. I value existential questions and deep self-reflection, but I also get the importance of being gently called out or invited into growth. I hold space with an understanding that personal pain is often rooted in systemic harm. What fuels my passion is witnessing people reclaim their stories, reconnect with their worth, and resist internalized narratives of shame or inadequacy. I’m especially moved by the moments when someone begins to realize that their struggles aren’t a personal failure, but a natural response to surviving in a world that hasn’t always been safe, inclusive, or just.
Julia Outside of the Therapy Room:
Some of my hobbies include hiking and relaxing in nature, birdwatching, exploring record stores, thrifting & antiquing, and trying my hand at cooking a new recipe. I am a huge fan of live music and almost never turn down a concert opportunity. You can almost always find me outside in my garden, or using the MerlinID birdwatching app.
