Julia Sanders
LICENSED MASTER’S SOCIAL WORKER AND TRAINED IN EMDR
Making the decision to start or even re-engage in therapy can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming, especially when trying to find the right therapeutic match. I believe that the first step is building a meaningful therapeutic relationship where you are able to feel safe, unjudged, and able to exhale some of the stress and trauma that you have been carrying.
My name is Julia and I utilize a strengths-based trauma informed integrative approach, recognizing that every person has skills that they have utilized to allow them to get this far in life, building upon these skills through learning and most importantly healing the root cause of this pain.
I am fiercely passionate about helping others, especially those who have struggled to find someone to listen to or even care. I believe your story is worth hearing and that you are worth this journey of healing.
Some quick tidbits that describe me
Creative – I am a creative person to my core both inside and outside of the office. Whether it be painting a new piece or identifying a new coping skill, I always utilize my creativity to find a new way to do things.
Realistic – If things suck, I am totally okay sitting with you in that pain and not just hunting for a lesson or bright side, but rather just feel what you are really feeling. I believe that we need to experience all of our emotions as they are, even painful ones in order to effectively cope and process our experiences.
Hopeful – I believe that it is never too late to work on ourselves and change our lives. It can be so difficult to make any sort of lasting and meaningful change in life, I believe that this can be done by anyone, including you.
Laughter – Anyone who knows me knows that I love to find ways to laugh and celebrate life whenever possible, especially in the therapy office.
Growing – I am someone who hopes to always grow, change, and work on myself as long as I am living. I am always hungry for knowledge whether it be reviewing evidence-based practice or mastering a new recipe. One of my favorite things about myself is that I am always excited to grow and learn.
On the weekends you'll find me...
Exploring a museum, park, or aquarium with my friends and family, roller skating, traveling somewhere new, and/or cooking or baking up a new recipe!
How to pick the right therapist
There are a lot of therapists to consider when trying to decide who to trust. With varying skills and credentials to consider, choosing the right therapist can be tough. It’s much like a pair of pants; you search until you find the one that fits just right. The good news is that there IS a reliable way to tell if you and your therapist are a going to mesh: if you click from the get-go, it’s a good sign.
So, take your time and trust your gut.
I hope this page portrays a revealing snapshot of my personality and professional style. If you think we might be a good fit, give me a call (703)919-5543 or send me an email and let’s talk. I am happy to offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help you decide. What do you have to lose? And imagine all that you might gain.
Request an appointment with Julia:
Credentials:
Licensed Master’s Social Worker in Virginia – License #0903003104
Supervisee in social work under Stephanie Beguin-Howard
Master of Social Work – Syracuse University, 2020
Training in:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
