Julie Lenhardt, Licensed Clinical Social Worker profile image

Julie Lenhardt, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Julie Lenhardt, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

(she/her)

LCSW
20 years of experience
Solution oriented
Warm
Open-minded
Virtual

Do you find yourself spending nights awake worrying about things you can't control? Do you feel constantly stressed about the future and overwhelmed by self-doubt? Are you missing out on events or relationships because of your panic or anxiety? Maybe you're a member of the LBGTQ+ community who feels unsafe in a world of unsettling news or exhausted by trying to conform to society's expectations of you. Do you find yourself "triggered" and have a difficult time managing anger or rage? Are you always on alert wondering if you'll ever feel peaceful again? You struggle to leave the past where it belongs. Or maybe you feel trapped in a job or career that you once loved but now takes more than it offers. Does that work stress spill over into your personal life? If any of these experiences resonate with you, you've arrived at the right place. I'm genuinely delighted you're here. Are you prepared to start your journey toward feeling connected, self-assured, and empowered? I specialize in helping adults with crushing anxiety, trauma, parenting issues and members of the LGBTQ+ community get their groove back and live the lives they deserve. Consider me your expert guide and unwavering advocate. Together, we'll pinpoint your goals and use a tailored blend of therapeutic techniques to help you achieve them. I firmly believe that therapy should yield enduring results, not just temporary fixes, so we'll collaborate to bring you closer to the life you envision. Whether you're addressing past trauma, navigating the complexities of parenthood, or facing any other personal challenges, I am here to provide a safe space to process emotions and offer an alternative perspective.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During our initial session, we'll begin with introductions and then delve into the issues that have led you to seek therapy. We'll explore your treatment expectations and the background of the challenges you're facing. Together, we'll set treatment objectives, explore potential approaches and techniques to achieve those goals, and discuss the anticipated duration of therapy. Your narrative will have ample room, and as always, we'll proceed at a pace that aligns with your comfort and needs.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

We all have complex identities. Like you, I have many parts. I am a female-identifying member of the LGBTQ+ community with lived experience as a single mother by choice, as a partner, a business owner, a corporate executive, a coach, a teacher, an adoptive parent, and so on. I bring my lived experience to sessions, but more importantly, I bring the understanding that establishing a genuine connection and appreciating individual complexities is the foundation of effective therapy.

About Julie Lenhardt, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Identifies as

Licensed in

Appointments

Free consults, virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

EMDR, as a proven evidence-based therapy, is a powerful tool that can help you effectively address and reprocess the memories underlying your trauma, phobias, and intense anxiety. This approach is tailored to bring you the relief you seek. I am a trained EMDR therapist and use it consistently in my work.

Attachment-based

Attachment-based therapy explores the impact of early relationships on your emotional well-being. I will help you understand how your past attachments affect your current life. This modality is useful for addressing relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and trauma by improving your emotional regulation and enhancing your ability to navigate challenges. It's about building healthier, more secure connections and promoting personal growth. I have extensive experience with Attachment-based treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical and goal-focused approach that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors to improve your mental well-being. It's effective for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress by providing you with tools to manage challenges and enhance your emotional regulation. I provide a customized blend of CBT, DBT, EMDR, and other therapeutic modalities. However, CBT forms the foundation of most of the work we will do together.

Daialectical Behavior (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of therapy designed to help you manage intense emotions and improve your overall quality of life. DBT provides practical skills and strategies to cope with emotional distress, regulate mood, and handle interpersonal relationships more effectively. Through a combination of individual therapy, group sessions, and skills training, DBT equips you with tools to build resilience, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life. I often use DBT in combination with other treatment methods as part of a customized approach.

Gender-affirming therapy

Gender-affirming therapy is a compassionate and supportive form of therapy tailored to individuals who are exploring or transitioning their gender identity. In this therapeutic process, my goal is to provide a safe and understanding space for you to discuss your gender journey. We'll work together to explore your feelings, challenges, and goals, and provide guidance and support as you navigate your unique path toward self-acceptance and living authentically. My aim is to help you achieve greater comfort, confidence, and well-being in your gender identity and expression. This type of therapy is one of my favorite. It's a true honor to support you as you develop into the most authentic version of yourself.