Clinician Spotlight - Julia Stephenson, LGPC
Four Corners Counseling & Well-Being has skilled, experienced, and compassionate therapists, and we want to share some of what makes them special! Julia specializes in Anxiety and depression; life transitions; relationship difficulties; stress management and mindfulness.
What helps you feel calm in life?
Feeling connected to others is so important for me; when my relationships are good, I feel at my best. There’s nothing more grounding than a heartfelt chat with a close friend.
I find that nature is so helpful to disconnect from the demands of life. A few years ago, I had the privilege of leading mental health hikes, where I gained firsthand experience and learned about nature’s positive effects on our mental well-being. I would not consider myself “outdoorsy” before this time but this experience motivated me to hike more and take notice of the natural world around me. Which is easier to do in warm weather! I really struggle in the winter months, but instead of dwelling on what I’m not doing, I’ve adopted the practice of hot yoga every Sunday night. Yoga gives me a similar escape and reset, preparing me for the week ahead.
What are your hobbies or aspirations outside of being a therapist?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my daughter. While my aspiration is to be a devoted mom, I also strive to maintain a healthy perspective on my own humanity while parenting. I try to acknowledge my personal needs and recognize the limitations of my control over another person’s life. This can prove to be a hard balance to strike, as it is seemingly a moving target.
What are three "fun facts" about you?
#1. In my 20s, I was really fit! I was a personal trainer, CrossFit coach, Registered Yoga Teacher, and ran several boot camps around Baltimore. It seems like another lifetime, but I was an avid runner and completed my first (and last) marathon in 2016. These days, I listen to my body, which means I run a lot less, and I’ve traded the heavy weights for Pilates and more yoga. Connecting to my body through movement and breath will always be important factors to maintain my mental wellbeing.
#2. I love to travel. Rome, Paris, and Barcelona are among my favorite cities. Some people find Rome to be too fast-paced, but I love chaos. It is the only place where I have seen a cat catching a ride on the shoulder of a man on a bike! I find that traveling to other cultures is humbling. My views about life become myopic until I am forced out of my comfort zone.
#3. I have two stepsons! I feel very lucky to have had a positive experience as a stepmom, as I know this can be a delicate role. My chosen family includes some of my favorite people, and I feel very fortunate.
What is one piece of advice that you would give someone who is struggling?
I hesitate to use this word because it’s become mainstream and perhaps lost some of its significance, but practicing self-compassion is so helpful in challenging moments. Speaking to oneself with kindness can transform self-doubt into self-understanding which can help us assess our needs even in our most difficult moments.
Learn more about Julia Stephenson or schedule a consultation below.
