Julie Barzal

Julie Barzal is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a supervisory designation in Ohio and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts, holding the credentials MA LICSW LICSW126232 and OH LISW I.2203842-SUPV. She brings seven years of professional therapy experience supporting adolescents and adults across a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions and family management of substance use disorders, LGBTQ-IA concerns, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related difficulties, parenting, career challenges, coping with life changes, and ADHD.

Her clinical approach integrates several evidence-based and client-centered methods, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused strategies, problem solving techniques, motivational interviewing, Affirmation and Commitment therapy, person-centered therapy, and strengths-based interventions. She has experience diagnosing DSMV mental health disorders and provides direct counseling via telehealth, along with crisis and case management services for both adolescents and adults.

Julie describes her professional stance through empathy, engagement, advocacy, a tireless work ethic, active listening, critical thinking, cultural humility, and a focus on gender and identity inclusion. She aims to meet clients where they are, centering strengths and creating an open, nonjudgmental space for thoughts and feelings to be shared. Julie is a female therapist who identifies as gay, and she notes being older, non-religious, and liberal as aspects of her lived perspective.

On a personal level she shares that she is left-handed but ambidextrous, became a mother as a teenager, and did not begin college until age 40 when she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She encourages people taking the first step toward therapy, acknowledging that beginning counseling takes courage and expressing pride in those who make their mental health a priority.

Julie hopes that therapeutic work with her will be challenging, insightful, and empowering because she believes each person is worth that investment and that every story is unique.