- Strengths-based
- Solution-focused
- Cognitive behavioral ideas
About Julie
Julie Ekman is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 29 years of experience. She helps people with stress, anxiety, family concerns, self-esteem, career issues, and coping with life changes. Sessions focus on practical steps and clear goals rather than jargon.
Julie holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University. Much of her career was spent as a school social worker and family therapist, including 26 years working with middle school students. That background shaped her direct, skills-focused approach to common life problems.
Her work draws on strengths-based thinking, solution-focused techniques, and cognitive behavioral ideas. She uses these methods to help people manage anxiety, handle workplace stress, or rebuild confidence after a setback. Conversations aim to identify small changes that make daily life easier.
Julie also supports people facing chronic pain, illness, or disability and those dealing with divorce, communication problems, control issues, guilt, or isolation. She describes treatment planning as a collaborative process where practical options are tried and adjusted as needed.
Sessions are grounded in clear goals and repeatable strategies. Progress is tracked in simple ways so people can see what works. Her style is straightforward and oriented to problem solving rather than lengthy theory.
How evidence-based approaches work in online sessions
Julie uses evidence-based techniques such as strengths-based work, solution-focused methods, and cognitive behavioral ideas. Strengths-based work looks at what already goes well and builds on those abilities to manage stress or social anxiety. Solution-focused methods concentrate on small, practical steps to change daily routines and reduce overwhelm. Cognitive behavioral ideas help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test different behaviors to reduce anxiety symptoms.Choosing the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, try methods that seem to fit, and adjust plans based on what helps most. This is a collaborative process focused on clear goals and measurable steps rather than fixed rules.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins, and making it simpler to schedule sessions around work or family commitments. Therapists and licensed professionals often use these practical benefits to help people maintain momentum between sessions and apply new skills to everyday situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
29+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, family concerns, self-esteem, career issues, and coping with life changes, among other topics.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is practical and skills-focused, using strengths-based, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral approaches to address everyday problems.
How much experience does she have?
She has 29 years of experience in social work, including long-term roles as a school social worker and family therapist.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an Illinois LCSW and practices from Illinois.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin scheduling a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.