Julia offers individual, couples and family therapy for ages 2 and up, with an active and empathetic approach. With each client, she works with them on their goals until they are satisfied. She diligently tries to work her way out of a job with each client, whether they are seeking a few counseling sessions to gain clarity on a specific matter, considering long-term therapy to treat a lifetime of complex trauma, or anything in-between. At all times, her focus is on building strengths and problem-solving skills so that clients feel more peace, joy and connection in their lives.
Counseling Services
Trauma and EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and trauma. It can also be used to reduce the impact of distressing episodes from the past that are still causing hurt and disturbance today. It is a powerful tool to support healing, if used with skill. Julia is certified in EMDR, an advanced credential that must be maintained with ongoing education and practice.
For many things, clients can recover from upsetting reactions in just a few reprocessing sessions. But for clients with multiple past traumas and dissociation, EMDR must be tailored very specifically to support healing while avoiding an overwhelming experience that de-stabilizes a client’s life. If you have a history of complex trauma, please be sure that any EMDR therapist you see has advanced training in your needs.
Learn more about EMDR at www.emdria.org.
Children and Teens
Children are not little adults, and their therapy must meet their developmental needs. Julia uses active methods, including sandtray, play and art, to spark connection and change with younger people. Children have families, and it is strongly preferred that at least one parent participate partially in their child’s therapy regardless of the treatment goals.
Teens are striving towards being adults, but are not yet. They need a therapist who can validate their struggles and desires while encouraging accountability. Some teens are actively seeking counseling, while others are completely resistant. Julia believes that teens can only benefit from counseling if they connect with their therapist, and she begins therapy on a trial basis until the teen determines that they desire to continue with her.
Court-Involved Therapy
Julia accepts a limited number of cases by appointment from the family court, often for reunification therapy or as a child’s therapist.
Please contact the office BEFORE any motion or stipulation to appoint her as a therapist, to ensure her availability and her appropriateness for the case. A Fort Myers native, actively involved in her community and raising her children here, Julia has many prior relationships, and she seeks to avoid dual relationships that have the potential or appearance of a conflict of interest.
Telehealth
Telehealth is offered to clients living in the state of Florida. Many people find that they are able to attend sessions more easily and make more progress with the convenience of telehealth.
Most insurance companies cover telehealth.