Hi! My name is Juli Brown, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and founder of Empower Within Counseling Services, based in Bartlett, Illinois. I work with women who are struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression, dealing with abusive relationships or trauma, or facing challenging life transitions, and who are ready to feel more grounded, clear, and confident in themselves.
For more than 20 years, I’ve had a passion for women’s empowerment as a therapist, program coordinator, legal advocate, and empowerment self-defense instructor. I named my practice Empower Within because I believe there is a part of you - your inner voice - that knows what you need. It might feel quiet, or hard to reach - but it’s there. Even if you don’t feel strong in the moment, therapy is a place where you can find or gently restore that confidence within yourself. My role is to help you reconnect with that part of you that holds that wisdom and strength. Not by telling you what to do, but by helping you to trust your instincts, your voice, and your knowledge of what’s right for you.
How I Work…
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 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.
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.