Julie Stephens LMHC

I am not going to tell you whether you are right or wrong. There is no judgement. My job is to help you evaluate yourself. I ask questions to make you think. I provide another perspective when you are feeling stuck. You are in charge.

I learned a lot about myself in grad school. Not all of it was good. I learned about how my life was affected by the people in it, especially as a child, and how my family played a huge role in everything that lead up to right where I was. I was angry. I had to figure out how to address the feelings that I felt. It was not easy. Once you are aware, that is it, you are aware. It does not go away. You have to find closure. If not with other's then definitely within yourself. Once I realized that I was a product of circumstances, I was able to redefine myself. I was able to make choices based on the new knowledge I had. Better choices. It was life changing.

Typically, client's come in with a particular goal in mind. I ask clarifying questions about the goal, which usually leads to an even more important goal to work towards. Once the goal is established, I am the coach as well as the cheerleader. Can you change a goal? Absolutely! It is ok to change your mind. That is one belief that I am a stickler on; you can change your mind. I know there is something to be said for sticking to your word and pushing through the hard stuff; there is also something to be said to put your own emotional health and well being before some strong held principles you may hold yourself to that really are preventing you from feeling complete.

• Washington, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LH61025495

I primarily work in community mental health. I currently specialize in complex post traumatic stress disorder. I work with the forensics population and find it incredibly challenging and rewarding at the same time. In other areas of counseling, I provide individual therapy services as well as couples counseling. I enjoy hearing stories of "What Happened", and then evaluating those stories to assist people in unfolding the truth(s), perspective(s), and beliefs that make them feel they are not quite where they want, or need to be. A problem, is not a problem, until it is a problem. There are typically solutions, occasionally there are not solutions. In the times that there are no reasons; then I validate that with you and help you with adjusting to the uncomfortable feelings that have to be worked through, to be a better version of you.