About Me
Welcome!
I’m Julia and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#112063). I am a wife, mother, and a Christian. I am a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist with more than 13 years of experience. I obtained my bachelor's from Cal State Fullerton in Psychology and my master’s from Hope International University in Marriage and Family Therapy. My therapy style combines warmth, insight, honesty, and compassion to create a safe space for discovery and healing. My passion for my work comes from my personal experience after the loss of my parents to cancer and other losses in my childhood, which led to a crisis of faith during my teenage years. Growing up, I noticed that my symptoms of depression and anxiety were not the same as an adult; they were different. Having seen that other children who have gone through different types of traumas had similar symptoms to those I did, sparked my interest in mental health in children and trauma. I have seen how childhood and generational trauma affect mental and physical health, relationships, and even the way trauma is processed and passed down. Having a wonderful Christian counselor and therapist who helped me process my trauma, grieve my loss, and incorporate my beliefs while going through a crisis of faith to help me solidify my faith, helped me heal and restore my personal and spiritual growth. This experience was transformative for me, as I continued to work in community mental health, school settings, and private practice, I saw the need to incorporate Christian or faith-based therapy in mental health. As your therapist, I will come alongside you in your journey, and I will hold your story with high regard and respect, and create a safe space for you to explore the root of your pain and struggles. I believe that when we are brave enough to dig deep and face all of who we are, we begin to find the healing and transformation we seek. Although I have experience with trauma in children, adolescent, and their families, I also have experience working with young adults, adults, and parents who are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and faith/spiritual issues. As a Christian therapist, I firmly believe that faith is an essential part of the healing process. Integrating your spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic journey can bring a more meaningful form of healing. I’m also open to incorporating spirituality into our work if that’s something that you are interested in.
As a mother of two children under the age of ten (one who is neurodivergent). I understand what it is to love your children with all your heart and soul and wanting to keep them safe and give them a happy future, but also feeling overwhelmed and at times helpless. During my second pregnancy and the birth of my child, I experienced Prenatal and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. After surviving a difficult time in my life, I emerged from this experience with a profound respect for mothers’ and women’s health issues. I am proud to say that I am trained in Perinatal Mental Health through Maternal Mental Health Now and Postpartum Support International (PSI).
As a mother of a child who is neurodivergent, I gained a new understanding of the emotions, complexities, and identity shifts associated with becoming a parent with a neurodivergent child. This motivated me to work with parents and caregivers to support adults struggling with issues related to pregnancy and parenting. In my work, my goal is to help parents feel supported and empowered to navigate the challenges and joys of raising their children.
In my free time, I enjoy going for a hike with my husband and kids, watching Star Wars, Sonic, and The Secret Life of Pets while eating pizza, and going to the beach to play in the sand with the kids and making lifelong memories.
