Julia Stephenson

My background and approach: Early in my training, I worked with inpatient populations struggling with substance use, disordered eating patterns, and complex trauma. I saw firsthand the frustration that comes with trying to change painful symptoms through behavioral interventions and how many approaches can unintentionally increase shame rather than support meaningful change. I came to realize that these symptoms, while troubling, often served a purpose in helping my clients cope and that they resisted change out of fear that something worse might happen if they let go. This experience made me quickly appreciate the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. IFS recognizes that symptoms, or "parts," have a positive intention and were, at some point, helpful in managing life. Rather than fighting against these parts, getting to know their positive purpose can help them relax and adopt a more balanced internal role. As a result, the internal system feels less shame around these behaviors and becomes freer to make new, creative choices. If you're curious to learn more about IFS, visit ifs-institute.com. Education and training: I hold a Master of Arts in mental health counseling from Northwestern University, specializing in child and adolescent development. My experience includes working in inpatient settings at Ashley Addiction Treatment and Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Hospital. During my time at Sheppard Pratt, I worked on the Inpatient Eating Disorder Unit and Trauma Disorders Unit, treating dissociative disorders and C-PTSD. I also provided therapy to adolescents and their families at their Residential Treatment Center. In private practice, I work with adults at all stages of life, from early adulthood to later years, supporting a wide range of challenges. My experience includes working with individuals struggling with alcohol use, gaming, disordered eating, early life trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress related to work, school, family, and relationships. I am a trained IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist. Through the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, I am certified in complex trauma and dissociation. I am also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (although I don’t rely on this way of working with clients). I strive to ensure my practice is rooted in the latest evidence-based approaches.