LMFT, 10 years of experience
Hello, I'm Julia May. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Art Therapist specializing in helping young adults and adults navigate challenges such as codependency, relationship issues, addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. My approach combines traditional talk therapy with the creative process of art therapy to foster self-discovery and healing. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, gain insight, and build the tools needed to thrive. Together, we work toward meaningful change and greater well-being.
In our first session, expect a welcoming and respectful environment where you can share your story at your own pace. We'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and how we can work together. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get a feel for my therapeutic style.
I create a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space for my clients. Communication in sessions is open and collaborative, fostering a sense of safety and trust. Working with me feels like a partnership where your voice is heard and valued, and where we work together towards your goals. My therapeutic approach is client-centered and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe in tailoring therapy to each individual, integrating techniques from mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, art therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy when appropriate. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment that encourages self-exploration and positive change.
I specialize in treating young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, sex and love addiction, codependency, and bipolarI/II. My practice is inclusive and welcoming to clients from diverse backgrounds. I am committed to understanding each person's unique experiences and needs.
I have specialized training in clinical Art Therapy and utilize creativity to support clients use alternatives to talk therapy to process emotions and express themselves.
In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) my hope is to help the clients start to be aware of how thoughts impact their emotions and behaviors. There are three pillars of CBT that help structure the sessions: identification, recognition, and management which support clients learn how to change self-defeating thoughts into more realistic and balanced thinking.
Working with clients with history and current traumas my approach to therapy uses the five guiding principles of trauma informed care; safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment. Often this incorporates parts work and inner child work.
The four main skills of DBT include: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance. I support clients learn and implant these skills into everyday life improving the clients ability to be present, navigate hard emotions, and improve relationships.