About Julia Stephenson, LCPC

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.

Specializations

  • Complex Trauma & Dissociation (C-PTSD)

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy (ADHD, Autism, High Sensitivity)

  • Addictive & Compulsive Cycles

  • Attachment & Relational Patterns

  • Anxiety, Overwhelm & Perfectionism

  • Individual & Group IFS Therapy

  • Clinical Supervision

Credentials & Background

My clinical foundation was built in high-acuity inpatient settings—including the Trauma Disorders and Eating Disorder Units at Sheppard Pratt and Ashley Addiction Treatment—informing my work with deep clinical rigor, somatic attunement, and nervous system awareness.

  • M.A. in Mental Health Counseling — Northwestern University

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) — Maryland

  • Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor — Clinical supervision for Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPCs) pursuing independent licensure

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS):

    • Program Assistant for the IFS Institute

    • Advanced IFS Level 2 (Trauma & Addiction, Larger Systems, Spirituality, Advanced Review)

    • IFS Group Therapy Trained (Creating Healing Circles)

  • Certified in Complex Trauma & Dissociation (Level 2) — ISSTD

Endorsements

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 

  • Full moon in a dark night sky with pinkish-orange clouds.

    Julia is an incredibly knowledgeable clinician especially in the realm of IFS. She has genuine care and consideration for her clients with a far-reaching level of experience in various settings. Highly recommend her!

    Megan Kelly, LCSW

  • A person practicing yoga by a lake at sunset, sitting cross-legged on a rock with a scenic view of the water, trees, and a partly cloudy sky.

    I highly recommend Julia's practice! She is an experienced, compassionate therapist who excels in meeting clients where they are at, with no judgment.

    Jeremy Mohler, LCPC