Julie Afighom

Prior to starting my private practice, I practiced for several years at a mental health agency. I accumulated experience working with children, adolescents, and adults while using individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy in an effort to meet each client's needs and allow for maximum growth and overall well-being. I’ve always wanted to help individuals around me evolve and overcome difficult situations that life puts people in and felt that marriage and family therapy was the field that encompassed most of the practices I wanted to expand on. I am certified in several evidence-based practices (EBP), which is the concept that occupational practices ought to be based on scientific evidence for maximal progress and successful outcomes. I am certified in the following EBPs: Cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, positive parenting, and managing and adapting practices.

My approach is eclectic; an eclectic therapist pulls from a variety of disciplines and approaches and may use a wide range of proven methods to establish the best combination of therapeutic tools to help the client. In effect, an eclectic therapist tailors the therapeutic process to each individual by using whatever form of treatment, or combination of treatments, has been shown to be most effective in treating the particular problem. I adapt to my client’s needs and requests in order to build the foundation necessary for a successful therapeutic relationship that targets personal and therapeutic goals as well as wellness. I strive to give clients the support they need while challenging them in the areas they need to be challenged when they’re ready. I listen and work with clients to ensure that therapy is a safe environment to process many different aspects of one's life.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and many clients come to their first session unsure of where to begin. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and free to show up exactly as you are.

During our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know one another and exploring what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, personal history, relationships, and any goals you may have for our work together. There is no pressure to share everything at once—we move at a pace that feels right for you.

I strive to create an environment that is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Therapy is not about fixing you; it’s about understanding your experiences, identifying patterns that may no longer be serving you, and helping you build the tools needed to create meaningful change.

By the end of our first session, my hope is that you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your challenges, a sense of direction for treatment, and most importantly, the feeling that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.