About Julia Stephenson, LCPC

Clinical Expertise Highlights

IFS Therapist with specialized training in complex trauma and dissociation through the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.

IFS Level 2 Advanced Training in multiple specialized areas:

  • Rina Dubin: Level 1 Training

  • Mary Kruger: Advanced Review

  • Mike Elkin: IFS & Trauma & Addiction

  • Ralph Cohen: IFS & Larger Systems

  • Ralph Cohen: Self of the Therapist/Spirituality

IFS Group Therapy Training

  • Chris Burris: Creating Healing Circles

Education & Certifications

  • Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling - Northwestern University

    • Specialized Training in Child and Adolescent Development

  • Certified in Complex Trauma and Dissociation - International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Level 2

  • Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Professional Experience

My professional journey includes valuable clinical work at prestigious institutions:

  • Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Hospital - Inpatient Eating Disorder Unit and the formerly world renowned Trauma Disorders Unit, treating dissociative disorders and C-PTSD

  • Ashley Addiction Treatment - Inpatient substance use treatment

  • Sheppard Pratt Residential Treatment Center - Therapy for adolescents and families

  • Private Practice - Working with adults of all ages addressing early life trauma, anxiety, depression, addictive cycles, and relationship challenges

My 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 from 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 resisted change out of fear that something worse might happen if they let go. This insight led me to embrace the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which recognizes that symptoms, or "parts," have positive intentions and were, at some point, helpful in managing life.

Rather than fighting against these parts of yourself, I help you get to know their positive purpose so they can relax and adopt a more balanced internal role. As a result, your 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.

Endorsements

  • Julia Stephenson Review

    "Julia is compassionate, an active listener, and a genuine clinician. She is wonderful to be around, thoughtful and understanding when it comes to her clinical work."

    — Whitney W., PMHNP 

  • Julia Stephenson Review

    "Working with Julia was an absolute pleasure. She approached patients with compassion and curiosity, creating space for them to explore extremely complex and painful issues within a safe setting. Her warm nature, commitment to excellent work, attention to detail and passion for learning were all extremely valuable to her patients and to us as a team."

    — Sara Trachtenberg, OTR/L

  • Julia Stephenson Review

    "Julia is compassionate, thoughtful, diligent, and kind. She has a patient dedication to her clients and their healing that creates ample space for personal growth."

    — Mallory Wood, LCSW-C

  • Juila Stephenson Review

    Collaborating with Julia Stephenson has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As a physician focused on integrative care, I refer patients to Julia knowing they will receive not only expert therapy, but also deep, compassionate presence. Her work with Internal Family Systems (IFS) is truly exceptional — she has a remarkable ability to guide clients into meaningful connection with their inner parts in a way that is gentle, empowering, and transformative. I’ve seen firsthand how profoundly Julia’s work supports the healing process, and our shared patients consistently speak to how safe and seen they feel in her care. She is thoughtful, attuned, and deeply committed to her craft. It’s a gift to have someone like Julia to collaborate with — she is an extraordinary therapist and a trusted partner in supporting whole-person wellness.

    — Geeta Arora, MD

  • Julia Stephenson Review

    Julia holds a breadth of knowledge and expertise as a therapist and tirelessly engages in continuing education to learn best practices for trauma-focused, holistic treatment. She balances this knowledge with a genuine, relatable personality and has a gift for helping clients confront themselves with compassion and honesty.

    — Molly Stoltz, IFS Therapist