Julie Holt Counseling

Kate B. _{on Yelp}

Dec 18th, 2011

Julie is a FANTASTIC therapist. When I came upon her website, I was going through a very difficult, confusing time in my life where everything was coming to a head and the realization that I really couldn't work through it alone was not an easy one to swallow. I had contacted a few other therapists via email and contact forms on the internet and not a single one replied. Even though I wanted and needed to see someone, I was terrified. When I tried calling around to find someone, I would freak out and couldn't hang up fast enough even though it was just voicemail. One office with a lot of therapists wanted to wait list me, but nobody else returned my calls. When I saw Julie's webpage and read a bit about her, I could feel the panic dissipate some and I had a strong feeling that she was the one I was meant to see - even though she's a 30 minute drive (generally 45 because of i5 traffic at the time I see her).Julie replied to my email in record time. From the greeting and very first sentence, my feeling was confirmed. I was immediately happy instead of freaked out that she had a flexible schedule with time slots available that fit for me. I guess I was a little surprised as well because in my email to her I gave 4-5 specific topic matters that I knew would be big points during therapy (when and IF I decided to see someone) and she wasn't phased by what I'm dealing with. You harbor secrets and shame for so long that when telling someone for the first time, or even just someone that didn't already know, makes you imagine what their reaction may be to this horrid information.. and of course, you always think the worst. We tend to feel like nobody really understands - even others that went through the same things.Julie was able to schedule me for an appt, that was not long after our initial contact, to do the free intake session. I was very pleased that the first session was free so that I could be sure before making a commitment both emotionally and monetarily. When I arrived for the intake, the anxiety had begun to build up inside of me again and it took a lot of reasoning with myself to even get out of the car. As soon as she said "hello", I immediately began to relax. She offered me water and had tissue within reach of the comfortable sofa I was sitting in. (I say 'in' rather than on because it is very comfortable and welcoming). The atmosphere was soothing; beautiful in an understated way, with a "homey" feel. I imagine psychologists are taught lessons pertaining specifically to ambiance and that what Julie has put together is what others strive for. Fortunately, though; it all feels as though it came natural to her.. like she didn't have to TRY. In the past, I had seen two other therapists for short periods of time - one had over-the-top, blatantly expensive decor  with gold accents and a hauty feel (he also wore a lot of bright yellow gold.. lol); the other was a small room in a converted basement that you went down a narrow set of stairs to get to with little more than a stiff, old antique chair and dusty books where the ceiling was too short for your average sized male and there was no door. Julie's office is just right, with unobtrusive bits of art and natural beauty that bring subtle relaxation. (IOW - Ya done good, Julie! Hahaa..)She is a great listener and has an amazing talent for remembering what you said 10 minutes ago, or even in sessions past, and connecting it will something you've said in the now. She doesn't do that dry, bored, not-sure-what-to-say or make-you-come-to-the-conclusion-yourself "why don't you tell me?"/"is that what YOU think?" bit EVERY TIME. She encourages, listens, reminds and helps me through things. She actually works for her money (which seems rare in any field these days), but it has never come across to me as 'work' for her at all. Sessions with Julie are like a long talk with a friend that actually cares what you have to say and how you're doing rather than perching in wait for her turn to talk. I never feel rushed and I always leave Julie's office feeling like we've made progress. She is flexible and easy-going, pleasant and intuitive, with a good sense of humor, great use of words, is insightful and wise beyond her years.I would proudly and happily *highly* recommend Julie Holt to anyone in search of a therapist. This isn't just a job, or even just a career, to her - its a calling, and I'm glad she followed her heart.Thanks, Julie. :) And I hope your Christmas is beautiful and the New Year bring you abundant amounts of joy and fulfillment. God Bless.