Julie Barzal, LICSW, LISW

Julie Barzal is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who helps adults and adolescents manage stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. She brings seven years of clinical experience and aims to make the first step feel doable for people who are worried or overwhelmed.

Julie uses straightforward conversation and active listening to help people sort their thoughts. She draws on practical tools from cognitive behavioral ideas and client-centered conversations to build everyday coping skills. Sessions focus on small, manageable changes that fit into a person's life instead of huge leaps.

Her work also addresses grief, substance use concerns, compassion fatigue, and identity-related stressors for LGBTQ-IA clients. Julie pays attention to family and blended family dynamics, parenting strain, chronic illness and caregiver stress, and challenges like body image or abandonment. She mentions experience with diagnosis, crisis and case management as part of her earlier roles.

Julie describes her style as empathic and strengths based. She emphasizes cultural humility, gender and identity inclusion, and meeting each person where they are. The goal is to make sessions feel like a collaborative space for honest conversation and practical steps forward.

Clients who choose Julie can expect a mix of problem solving, motivational techniques, and values-focused work. She encourages people to keep trying even when progress feels slow, noting that change often comes from repeated small moves. Her personal journey into higher education later in life informs a patient, encouraging approach.

How Julie Uses Different Approaches Online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when feelings are difficult. It can help with anxiety, depression, and making life changes in meaningful directions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like worry or low mood over time. It works well for stress, anxiety, and depression. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and following the person's lead so they feel understood and can build on their strengths.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Julie will talk with each person about goals and preferences and use that information to shape sessions. The choice of method is collaborative and may change as needs evolve.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session options before booking. Julie has provided telehealth in past roles, but session formats for this listing should be verified when you schedule. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time so people can use work breaks or quieter moments more easily.