Hi!
My name is Julia. I’m a native Oregonian who loves to get out into nature and experience its calming effects. I also find great joy in travel, both in our beautiful state and around the world. An introvert who is naturally curious about people, I can never seem to get enough of hearing other people’s stories. I don’t always have it all together, but over time I’ve learned how to get myself back on track when I veer off.
I work with people who feel compelled to achieve and succeed to earn love. Somewhere along the line, they got the message that the more they impressed others, the more they’d be loved. They come into therapy when they are exhausted from the work of keeping up their image or when they experience a failure that feels life-ending. They’re wondering about how to be who they really are. They’re not always sure who that is or if they’ll have the courage to accept that person. Having had my own struggles with these things (which will not be the same as yours), I know the freedom that comes with letting go of perfection. If you are afraid of who you’ll be apart from constant striving–but are curious–then let’s work together. If you are so over being unhappy that you are ready to make some changes, then this is a great time to start therapy.
While I believe we’re more than the sum of our achievements, I suspect that you’re interested in working with someone who is trained and competent. For details about my education and experience, see below.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington. I have a Master’s in Social Work from Portland State University. I have practiced social work for 13 years, both in private practice and at OHSU Hospital. As a post-graduate, I have pursued additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Analytical (Jungian) Psychology, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. These knowledge bases inform how I approach therapy. I follow the code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers and I am accountable to the Board of Licensed Clinical Social Workers of Oregon and the Washington State Department of Health. This ensures that I am regularly pursuing education and training opportunities that help my work stay current and relevant. I am grateful and honored to do work that I love.