Ideally, I prefer to work with clients who are ready for change. They have taken a look at their mental health, and while they may not know exactly what is going on, they know something is not right and they want help. I love to work with people who want to partner with me to come up with a treatment plan, and then own that treatment, participating fully in their care. I strongly believe medication management can be an integral part of mental health, but without psychotherapy and embracing changing what is not working, it cannot do the job alone. I utilize a combination of medication management with brief psychotherapy interventions at each visit, and then work with each client to determine an appropriate care plan which may include additional psychotherapy with a therapist, or possible additional testing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we will spend much of our time discussing your history, the medications and treatments you have tried, what has worked and what has not worked for you in the past. It will seem like a lot of questions, but in order to help you overcome your mental health struggles, I need to understand where you are coming from, where you are at, and your priorities for treatment.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength is in making sure the client is involved in the treatment decision process. I am not here to dictate, I am here to listen, evaluate and educate you on the different treatment options. Together we will come up with a plan, after we discuss the safety and efficacy of the options. Please understand I am here to help, so there are times I may not do exactly as you think I should, but I do my very best to make sure you are heard, you have goals and we have a plan to get there.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am happy to help any client who is ready for a change, and ready to face their mental health challenges. I love to meet with clients who have a willingness to learn, and want to hear about different options for treatment, and those who want to be an active participant in the solution. Medication is only one tool in the toolbox for achieving mental wellness, and while it is an important one, without other tools such as psychotherapy, self reflection and a commitment to change, it will not magically fix all of the struggles an individual is facing.
About Julie Cruse, DNP
Identifies as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
35 Southeast 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471, Suite 200 OAppointments
In PersonMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize a variety of therapeutic methods to help clients recognize dysfunctional coping skills and educate them on healthy, positive coping skills. Recognizing that some learned patterns of behavior can worsen their symptoms and be detrimental to their mental health is an important milestone, which, once reached, allows for the integration of healthy behaviors that will augment mental health.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness to help the client truly understand their thought processes and their emotions. Awareness of one's thoughts and feelings is the first step in making the choice to change and grow.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a technique used to help the individual understand what they want to change, what their level of commitment to change is, and how they might improve that commitment to change. It is a respectful way of keeping the ball in the client's court so to speak, allowing them to make their own decisions about their mental health challenges.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is used in every visit, as I strive to provide information. I view educating someone on their choices, be it medication or therapy or another treatment option, as well as education on their particular diagnoses to be one of my most important jobs.
Supportive
I strive to provide emotional support, validation of the client's feelings, and encouragement in their mental health journey. I hope to be a trusted person who will tell you the truth, give you options, but also, understand that I hold each client in the highest regard - I believe everyone has the potential to change and improve their lives.