About Julianne
Child, Adult & Family Therapist
My Passion: Helping Teens & Young Adults
Throughout my graduate Social Work program, I worked with teen mothers, LGBTQ+ teens, and homeless youth. It is here that I developed a passion for working with teenagers and young adults! Although my specialty is working with these populations, I welcome clients of all ages and backgrounds.
Helping others is in my blood: both of my parents are in the medical profession, and my siblings include criminal justice advocates and hospice project managers. As a former Journalism–and eventual Psychology–major in college, I remember coming to the realization that not only did I want to listen to others’ stories, I wanted to help them write their next chapter with mental health and wellness in mind. I believe the most valued part of a therapist’s role in a client’s life is having the opportunity to just be there for clients as someone who listens to understand.
Unique Challenges for Teens & Parents of Teens . . .
As we progress further into our adult lives, it is easy to forget how stressful it is to be a teenager. Let’s face it: How many of us would actually want to return to high school, if given the chance? The confusing pressure to fit in but not knowing how? All the body issues of wanting to look perfect while struggling with acne? Finding yourself constantly worrying about whether you’re liked and popular-even if it’s just within your friend group?
With the rise of social media and influencer culture, young adults are surrounded and bombarded with an overarching goal: “absolute perfection”.
Parents feel this pressure, too! Their success at raising their child is often judged by how successful their children are, and how many rewards and accolades they collect. In turn, teenagers feel this secondhand anxiety, as well.
What happens when we do not achieve this impossible level of perfection? Shame. Teenagers are surrounded by it. They feel shame for disappointing their parents with a less-than-perfect report card; when they don’t look as perfect as the celebrities and models in their social media feed; or are mocked for sharing their “silly and dramatic” perspective of how they will never recover from their first heartbreak. Shame is a powerful feeling that can lead to anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts of imminent failure or catastrophe; and can even lead to resentment of those we love.
Creating a Safe Space
Therapy is an incredibly powerful experience where clients learn to express themselves in the most vulnerable of ways. I take a person-centered approach and work to help create a space to feel safe, heard, and understood. I work with my clients to help them find the necessary tools to accomplish their personal goals and improve their lives. I always look forward to the day when my clients let me know that they do not need to talk with me anymore; that they’ve evolved and are equipped to solve their own problems.
On a Personal Note . . .
In my spare time, you’ll find me running around at dog parks with my corgi, Eowyn, playing video games (everything ranging from the latest releases to the more classic, Super Nintendo generation), taking a hike on a local trail or a relaxing stroll through a neighborhood walking path, or avidly collecting/sharing any hilarious or relatable memes that cross my path.
Credentials
BA Psychology, Arizona State University, 2010
Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University, 2013
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State, LW60940033
CBT+ Certified
Former Member of Washington’s collaborative program, Children’s Domestic Violence Response Team (CDVRT)
Contact us to book a counseling session in our Issaquah or Sammamish therapy office. Or, set up a FREE, 10-minute phone consultation by calling us at 425-269-3277.