Julia Lopez,Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

As a licensed professional counselor, I believe every individual has the power to make lasting changes in their life. With a whole-person approach, my clinical work focuses on individual strengths as I work with each client to set personal goals, focusing on what is most relevant to them. I am a compassionate and supportive listener with a reality-based approach. As a registered art therapist, I bring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to my sessions. And as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), I work with clients to help them use the teachings of neuroscience to manage their anxiety and stress. As a working therapist for over 16 years, I earned an M.A. from Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon, in 2006, and my undergraduate degree in Art Therapy from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the State of Illinois. I use a variety of techniques in therapy as each client is unique. This flexibility helps me to find which technique will best match my individualized client.

In the therapeutic sessions, I draw from my client's individual goals and desired outcomes. I am a compassionate and supportive listener with a reality-based approach. As a registered art therapist, I bring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to my sessions. And as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), I work with clients to help them use the teachings of neuroscience to manage their anxiety and stress. I draw from Acceptance, Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I connect well with people who are willing to be open and vulnerable, with a willingness for self-improvement. I am an active listener, who uses the reflection of thoughts and emotions to convey my understanding. I have a compassionate, and gentle tone with a sincere demeanor. I truly care about each of my clients. I love seeing people find more purpose, more peace, and find their own path forward. I am passionate about my work and helping people understand different skills that can be beneficial in their lives.

I knew fairly young that I wanted to help people, and I saw in my own life how art helped me grow and develop, so when I found out about Art Therapy- I knew instantly that is what I wanted to do. I went to college and graduate school where I quickly realized that not only was Art Therapy something I was passionate about, that I also truly enjoyed traditional talk therapy as well. Thus my graduate degree is in both Art Therapy and Counseling. I listen to my clients to help mold and create measurable, achievable, positive, and specific goals that honor each individual's desired outcomes.

In the first session, I overview the limits and expectations of therapy. I ask a lot of questions in order to gain an understanding of what is bringing someone to therapy, and also who that person is, what makes them unique, what their strengths are, and how I can best support them in this journey.