Herena Julia Psychotherapy, LMHC

I knew that I wanted to be a therapist since my teenage years. I enjoyed listening to and supporting my friends with their teenage angst and issues. Since graduating with a degree in psychology and mental health counseling, I've worked with a multitude of individuals from different backgrounds and with different issues. I've worked with adults and adolescents in different settings, such as community mental health centers and private psychotherapy practices. Over 23 years of experience in the field has provided me the opportunity to assist many individuals and has allowed me to grow as a therapist and as a human.

When a client comes in for their first session, we identify the issues they are seeking resolution for, and I gather information about their history. I gauge the client's progress by how often they are able to access emotions they have been avoiding and how often they become aware of how these unfelt emotions negatively impact their life. When appropriate, I assign homework and discuss it during the subsequent session. In the past 5-7 years, I have seen an increase in the number of clients expressing that they feel they have "no purpose" in life and they feel disconnected from themselves and from the life they desire. They feel like they are going through the motions each day with rare moments of joy and increasing worries about the future. When I hear this, I know that the client is ready to venture onto the next step in humanity's evolution: The journey back to the true self.

I am excited about the growing interest in the mental health field regarding the mind/body/spirit connection. With meditation and mindfulness practices becoming increasingly popular, individuals have access to their inner emotional landscape, which is oftentimes neglected due to the mind's incessant chatter. By learning different meditation techniques, individuals are able to gain a greater sense of peace and wellbeing while increasing their awareness of how to create their best life. I find that once a client begins the inward journey to healing their unresolved issues, their life begins to change for the better. With these practices, my clients share that they find that their lives have newfound purpose and meaning. They experience more feelings of joy and freedom in their lives.