Julie Ackerman (she/her)

My specialization is working with individuals who have been diagnosed with a chronic and/or terminal illness and are striving to adapt to their new normal. I have over fifteen years of experience in a medical setting, specializing in working with individuals and families affected by chronic and/or terminal illnesses. I understand the anxiety, anger, and sadness that come with facing an unknown future. My expertise lies in helping clients recognize and take control of the things within their grasp while developing effective coping skills to deal with the things beyond their control. I believe in building trust with clients quickly through authenticity, and I actively engage in the therapeutic relationship, providing direct feedback, validation, and necessary challenges. I am also comfortable discussing end-of-life issues and assisting individuals in planning their legacy when appropriate.

I understand that many people can feel hopeless when life becomes overwhelming. In therapy, the aim is not to pretend that everything is okay but rather to support you in seeing your situation from a different perspective and learning to cope with challenging emotions. It's common to try to push away feelings we perceive as negative, but it's completely normal and valid to feel anxious, angry, or sad at times. Having these emotions isn't the issue – It's learning to navigate these intense emotions as we venture along our new path, rather than being overwhelmed by them, that's important. So even though we might find ourselves on an unexpected life journey, who's to say that this new path can't lead to something valuable? If we can embrace this possibility, we open the door to hope and a new reality that can accommodate both pain and happiness, sorrow and joy, anxiety and peace. There is room for all of it. Are you ready to find out for yourself?