Julia Schafer Therapy

Julia SCHAFER, MSW, SWC

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an author when I grew up. The characters I encountered in books deeply resonated with me because of how they could conquer challenges and experience personal victories. As I got older, I found that my connection with storytelling extended beyond the realm of fiction. It manifested itself through my genuine interest in listening to individuals as they shared their own narratives of real-life struggles and triumphs with me. Motivated by this passion for understanding and supporting others, I embarked on the path towards a career in counseling.

During my graduate internship in a community mental health agency, I conducted diagnostic and bio-psycho-social assessments, led an alcohol and drug addiction therapy group, and provided one-on-one therapy. I have worked with individuals across the lifespan, guiding them through struggles with trauma, obsessions and compulsions, anxiety, depression, identity issues, life transitions, and more.

In addition to my professional qualifications, it is important for me to highlight the common ground we share as humans and the understanding I have gained from personally facing challenges like anxiety, perfectionism, and self-esteem issues. I have embarked on my own healing journey, navigating through trauma, grief, and difficult life transitions. These experiences have instilled in me a profound belief in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual.

Professional Credentials

Education & Licensure

  • Master of Social Work (MSW) with Specialization in Individuals & Families – Fordham University

Certifications & Awards

  • Certificate in EMDR, CBT and Somatic-Based Interventions, Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), 2023
  • Certificate in The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), 2023
  • Certificate in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), 2023
  • Certificate in Mandated Reporting through Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), 2023
  • Recipient of $10,000 Workforce Development Scholarship (WDS) from SummitStone Health Partners, 2022
  • Recipient of $2,000 iHuman Science Initiative (iHSI) Research Grant from Willamette University, 2020 

Clinical Graduate Coursework

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Advanced Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis
  • Advanced Integrated Practice Evaluation
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Clinical Social Work Practice with Substance Use Disorders
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Core Concepts of Child & Adolescent Trauma
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Evidence-Based Practice for Children & Families
  • Grief, Loss, & Bereavement
  • Learning Psychology
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Race & Development Psychology
  • Social Psychology

Counseling Philosophy

Whether you’re grappling with lingering trauma, battling anxiety, wrestling with intrusive thoughts, or encountering other obstacles, I’ll meet you where you are. My goal is to create a safe, down-to-earth space where you can learn practical coping skills and write a new story of resilience and strength.

Neuroscience, and personal life experiences, reveal to us how every person is entirely unique. By virtue of this, I firmly believe that the most effective treatment strategy is to use a variety of therapy modalities that are precisely tailored to meet your individual needs. Some of the therapy modalities I have been trained in and draw from in my practice include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy. Empathy, non-judgment, authenticity, and humor also form the foundation of my approach