Hi, I’m Juli!
For more than 20 years, I’ve supported women as a therapist, legal advocate, program coordinator, and self-defense instructor. I work with women who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, or the impact of abusive relationships or trauma, and who are ready to feel more grounded, clear, and confident in themselves.
I named my practice Empower Within because many of the women I work with don’t feel powerful at all when they first start counseling. They often feel unable to trust themselves, especially after difficult or painful experiences. But I believe there is a part of you, your inner voice, that knows what you need. It might feel quiet, or hard to access—but it’s there. Therapy is a place to gently rebuild that trust with yourself. My role is to help you reconnect with that part of yourself. Not by telling you what to do, but by helping you to trust your instincts, your voice, and your sense of what’s right for you.
How I Work…
Therapy should be a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
My style is warm, relaxed, collaborative, and compassionate. I see you as a whole person with your own story, strengths, and resilience. We move at your pace. You decide what we talk about when you’re ready.
Because each person’s experience is unique, therapy looks different for everyone. I’m guided by the goals you set, and when it’s helpful, I may offer tools or strategies to:
Manage overwhelming emotions
Respond to triggers
Create distance from intrusive thoughts and reduce rumination
Deepen your connection with yourself
Make decisions that are best for you
Ultimately, our work is about helping you move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to feeling more grounded, clear, and empowered.
I feel honored to partner with my clients as they move from surviving toward thriving.
Education/Licenses/Certifications
Washington University, Masters of Social Work
Indiana University, BA in Psychology
Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP)
Certified Empowerment Self-Defense Instructor
When I’m not working as a therapist…
I’ve lived in the western suburbs of Chicago for more than 25 years, where my husband and I raised our two now-adult children.
Outside of my work, I value both quiet time and connection. I enjoy being outdoors, especially in warmer weather, riding my bike, going on walks, gardening, or simply sitting and enjoying the fresh air. I also love relaxing with a good show or movie, reading, or going out to eat. I have been very active in martial arts as a student, instructor and in competitions. More recently, I’ve started practicing yoga, which I find both challenging and grounding.
If you’re ready to start reconnecting with your own strength and inner voice, I’d love to support you.
Change is possible—and it can start with one conversation.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation.