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Headshot of Julie Este-McDonald, LPC

Julie Este-McDonald

Therapist(She/Her)
20 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Stress management, Trauma
  • Individual therapy, Family therapy, Couples therapy

Great to meet you!

Clients should know that I bring both warmth and expertise to every session. With over 20 years of experience in counseling, executive coaching, and organizational psychology, I help individuals navigate life's challenges, make empowered decisions, and unlock their full potential—both personally and professionally.

I believe in a holistic, trauma-informed approach that honors your unique story and integrates evidence-based strategies for healing, growth, and sustainable change. Whether you're seeking support for mental health, navigating burnout, improving relationships, or aligning your life with your values, I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be fully seen and supported.

As a mom, a leader, and a lifelong learner, I deeply understand the complexities of real life—and I'm here to walk alongside you with compassion, clarity, and practical tools to help you thrive.

My approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is holistic, trauma-informed, and rooted in respect for your lived experience. I blend evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of how identity, culture, faith, and systemic stressors shape our mental health. I draw from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment theory, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches, tailoring each session to your needs and goals.

I believe therapy should be a collaborative, empowering space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. Whether you're facing anxiety, burnout, grief, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, I focus on helping you gain insight, build practical tools, and reconnect with your inner wisdom and resilience.

I also believe healing happens in relationship—through trust, connection, and compassion. My goal is to walk alongside you with care and authenticity, supporting you in making meaningful, sustainable changes in your life.

What you can expect from me

Clients can expect to walk away from sessions with greater clarity, practical tools, and a deeper sense of self-awareness and empowerment. My goal is to help you not only process what’s weighing on you, but to develop real strategies for moving forward—emotionally, mentally, and in your daily life.

You’ll gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, learn how to set healthy boundaries, and build confidence in your ability to navigate relationships, work, and life transitions. I bring a blend of warmth, clinical expertise, and strategic thinking that helps you connect the dots between your emotional well-being, your goals, and your values.

Each session is a space for you to be fully seen, supported, and challenged in a way that fosters meaningful growth and sustainable change.

About me

  • I identify as
    Black or African descent, Woman
  • My style is
    Participatory, Open Minded, Empowering

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    20 years of experience
  • Training
    MA (Master of Arts) at Xavier University of Louisiana
  • License type
    LMFT (Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist) (Louisiana), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) (Texas)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Providence Health Plan

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Stress management, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Depression, Family issues, Cultural & ethnic issues, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues, Women's issues, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Trauma Focused CBT, Positive Psychology, Psychoeducational Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Structural Family, Experiential, Behavioral Couples Therapy, Bowen Family Systems, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Family therapy, Couples therapy
  • Ages served
    Adolescents, Seniors, Adults, Infants / Toddlers, Children
  • Languages
    English