(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Dr. Julie Gittelson, a licensed clinical psychologist (though, you can call me Dr. G. for short). My path in psychology began at Florida International University, where I earned my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. I later completed my Psy.D. at Nova Southeastern University, with training in neuropsychological assessment as well as clinical work in foster care and the dependency court system. During my doctoral internship at the Mental Health Center of Florida, I worked across community mental health, family court, and private clinical settings with a wide range of individuals and families. I went on to complete my postdoctoral fellowship at Alliance for Psychological Services, where I provided therapy and psychological assessments in forensic and high-intensity settings, including court-mandated work involving family court, dependency court, and the Department of Corrections. Today, I provide both therapy and psychological assessment. My clinical work often centers around anxiety, depression, trauma histories, life transitions, and complex family dynamics. I also have a strong interest in sports and performance psychology, particularly in supporting athletes and high-performing individuals who want to strengthen the connection between mental and physical performance. I know how difficult it can be to start therapy, and if you are reading this then you have already taken a step to getting started and that is a huge win! So, whether you are seeking therapy in-person or from the comfort of your couch (pet cameos are always welcome), I aim to create a space that is grounded, supportive, and judgement-free. I am so glad that you are here!
The first session(s) will consist of addressing the presenting problem and gathering a detailed personal history. This allows me to generate a treatment plan curated to the most pressing aspects of your life. We then put it into action with therapeutic skills learned in session and worked on outside of therapy. My clients find that the work done outside the therapy office makes all the difference.
My greatest strengths as a therapist are my ability to quickly create a grounded, nonjudgmental space and help clients move beyond insight into meaningful, practical change. I take a straightforward, collaborative approach that blends clinical structure with flexibility, so sessions feel both supportive and focused without being rigid. I also recognize that life moves quickly and what feels urgent today can shift by tomorrow, and new stressors or challenges can show up just as you’re starting to make sense of the last one. Because of that, I focus on meeting you where you are in real time, helping you address what needs attention most right now while still keeping an eye on the bigger patterns underneath it all.
I’ve worked with both voluntary and court-mandated clients, which has shaped my ability to meet people wherever they are in the process; whether they feel ready for change or still unsure. I also have experience in psychological assessment and a strong interest in working with athletes and high-performing individuals who are looking to strengthen their overall performance, both mentally and emotionally. At the same time, I work with a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Whether someone is navigating a specific challenge or seeking general growth, I aim to provide a space that is both supportive and practical, helping clients build insight while developing tools they can use in their everyday lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I frequently draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. Together, we identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge cognitive distortions, and develop more balanced, realistic ways of thinking.