Takeaway: If you’re struggling with your relationships, your sex life, or simply want to live a more fulfilling life, I can help. As a therapist in Cincinnati, I empower people like you to find their inner strengths and use them in creative new ways. With the right support, you can thrive! Reach out today to get started.
Are therapists worth seeing? How do you choose the right therapist, and what does choosing the ‘right’ therapist even mean? These are common questions for those seeking mental health support and guidance in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Deciding to speak to a therapist is a deeply personal decision, so it’s normal to have many questions. I’m here to help you find answers to those questions and feel more confident in your decision. We’ll look at:
- The benefits of therapy
- Who is therapy for?
- How to choose therapists, Cincinnati, Ohio
- What is the difference between a therapist, counselor, and psychiatrist
Most importantly, this information is here to help you make a more confident decision regarding your mental health. Reaching out for mental health services can be daunting, but it’s the first step on a path to profound transformation in your life.
Let’s take a look at why you might think about starting therapy.
In a world of daily stressors and rapid change, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. Combine that overwhelm with other personal challenges, low self-esteem, relationship confusion, or major life changes, and you’ve got a recipe for mental health struggles. Unfortunately, so many of us believe we have to get through all of this alone. I’m here to remind you that you don’t have to go it alone, that compassionate, effective mental health services are available right here in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Everyone can benefit from therapy. The compassion, support, and guidance you’ll find in a therapist can undo years of suppressing your feelings or just ‘getting on with it’. However, therapy is particularly helpful in addressing issues that challenge us, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and relationship issues.
But how do you know when it’s time to reach out to a mental health professional? One key sign that it’s time to seek support is when your issues and challenges begin to impact your well-being. Seeking professional support is a wise move if:
- You’re dealing with tough emotions
- You have confusing or frustrating feelings
- You’re unable to focus on work and relationships because your mind is racing
- You have an unshakable feeling of worry or dread
- Your appetite has changed suddenly
- You’re not sleeping right
- You wonder if you’re suffering from depression or anxiety
- You’re going through relationship issues that make life difficult
Anything that impacts your daily functioning or hinders your personal growth is worth investigating in therapy. Trained and certified therapists such as myself can offer a non-judgmental, supportive, and professional atmosphere to help you gain insight, promote self-discovery, and equip you with the tools needed to face and overcome your challenges.
How Cincinnati therapy can help
As a Cincinnati therapist and licensed professional counselor with decades of experience, I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients. Across the board I’ve seen how therapy has such a positive impact on my clients’ lives. The right therapy can lead to significant positive change in your life, no matter what you’re going through. Let’s take a look at what you can learn in therapy and how it can help you not just survive in your life, but thrive.
Increased emotional resilience and better coping
We can’t control life, but we can control how we respond to it. Therapy is an opportunity to develop your emotional resilience, ultimately making you better at dealing with challenges. We all cope in one way or another, but emotional resilience allows us to choose healthy coping mechanisms rather than coping in ways that make things worse.
Improved self-esteem and self-understanding
Therapy is a ripe opportunity to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings with compassionate, non-judgmental support. As you explore your inner world, you and your therapist will address the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are challenging you, and work together to shift limiting beliefs and improve your self-esteem. The insight and self-discovery gained from this guided inner exploration is invaluable. From there, it becomes a whole lot easier to make life choices that serve your highest good.
Improved communication
Communication is the foundation of healthy relationships, and healthy relationships promote a healthy life. Therapy offers a space to explore, develop, and refine your communication skills so that you can cultivate healthy interpersonal relationships. Whether you’ve been struggling in your relationships, dealing with conflicts in your friendships or at work, or you simply struggle to relate to others, therapy can be incredibly empowering.
Reduced stress and deeper relaxation
Stress is one of the leading causes of mental and physical health issues worldwide, yet we all face stress regularly. The important thing is to manage and release stress so that it doesn’t impact our health. In therapy, you learn evidence-based tools and techniques for stress reduction based on your unique needs. The result? A more balanced and mindful approach to your daily life, and the capacity to face stressors without feeling overwhelmed by them.
Therapy is a deeply personal journey. That means that therapy should be tailored to fit your unique needs. We achieve the best outcomes in therapy when you feel comfortable with your therapist, and when your therapist gets to know and understand your circumstances. This relationship is known as the therapeutic alliance and is key in helping you achieve all of these benefits.
Meet Julie Hattershire | Cincinnati counselor, therapist, and Licensed Social Worker
Hi, I’m Julie Hattershire, Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) and your dedicated Cincinnati therapist and counselor. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship, and I’m passionate about helping you achieve positive change through that relationship.
My experience in mental health and social work spans decades, so I’ve worked with an incredibly diverse range of clients facing diverse challenges. I received my BA from Miami University in 1987 and earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati in 2001. Since then I’ve had the privilege to work with so many wonderful clients. My wealth of experience has allowed me to refine my approach into something that lets me adapt to you and your needs as an individual.
I’m committed to understanding and supporting you. I offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where we can collaborate on finding your best path forward. Therapy and counseling with me are client-centered, so I want to make sure you feel as comfortable and supported as possible in our sessions.
The mission is to help you thrive, and I combine the most effective, evidence-based techniques with a compassionate, personal touch to help us succeed. I want to empower you, to help you discover your innate inner strength and live your life joyfully.
My approach to therapy in Cincinnati
In my private practice as a Cincinnati therapist, I take an integrative approach to your mental health. I draw from several evidence-based and highly effective therapy modalities to offer you a customized therapy plan, based on our discussion about your needs and goals. Whether you’re dealing with difficult feelings, going through major transitions, struggling in your relationships, or simply feeling lost and overwhelmed, I’m here to guide and support you in a way that works for you.
Person-centered therapy
Person-centered therapy is at the core of my approach. This is a therapeutic process that places you at the center, considering your needs, your background, and the things that make you you. It’s not just about addressing issues or symptoms (but we’ll do that too!), but about empowering you to take the reins in your life and continue on this journey of self-discovery.
Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques
The mind is a powerful tool, but sometimes it works against us, not for us! In therapy I integrate cognitive behavioral techniques from CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to address mental patterns that may contribute to your distress. In CBT we look at the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – how they all influence each other (the ‘cognitive triangle’.) This insight is empowering because it allows us to make gradual but significant shifts in our thinking patterns and behaviors.
Empowerment through narrative
We all tell ourselves a story about our lives, but how we tell that story matters. In our therapeutic relationship, I play active listening and expert guidance to hear your story and reflect it back to you. This is an opportunity to explore your narrative and assess how well it serves you. Together we can refresh our perspective and tell ourselves a healthier, more empowering story, ultimately helping us live a more empowered life.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Mindfulness is at the root of my approach. I’ve seen the profound shifts that happen in clients when they incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily lives. Mindfulness skills learned in therapy help us deepen our self-awareness, reduce the effects of stress, and navigate life’s complexities with greater ease.
Who my mental health counseling services are for
In my practice I’m dedicated to helping clients of all backgrounds trying to navigate a diverse range of challenges, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotional pain
- Identity concerns
- Trauma
- Eating disorders, body image, and weight loss
- Relationship issues
- Family conflict
- Low self-esteem and self-doubt
- Parenting issues
- Major life changes
My services include:
Individual therapy
If you’re an individual client looking for compassionate support and guidance for your mental health, I’m here to help. I support clients struggling with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. Whether you’re seeking therapy for a specific reason or to improve your overall well-being, I offer confidential and supportive therapy tailored to your unique needs.
Couples therapy
I know firsthand how complex relationships can be. My couples counseling services are a dedicated non-judgmental space for you and your partner to explore and overcome relationship issues and challenges. Whether you want to improve communication, learn how to resolve conflict, or simply strengthen your bond, couples counseling can be of significant help.
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy and Counseling
It’s my privilege to offer a safe and supportive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy we address the unique experiences and challenges you might face as a member of the community, including identity exploration, family concerns, and self-acceptance.
Therapy and counseling for men
I understand that men face particular expectations and challenges. I also understand that many (but not all) men enjoy working with a female therapist. In my therapy and counseling service for men, I offer a space for open and authentic conversation. Together we’ll approach issues around relationships, personal growth, anxiety, masculinity, societal expectations, and anything else that you want to explore.
Parents counseling
Only a parent can understand what it’s like to be a parent! In my parent’s counseling services I provide guidance and effective strategies for navigating life with children. Together we’ll explore parent-child communication, deal with family conflicts, address the stressors unique to parenthood, and help you foster healthy family dynamics.
Sex therapy
Sexuality is a core part of our being human, yet we sometimes forget the importance of sexual health. Sex therapy is a profound, evidence-based therapy that helps us address issues and concerns around intimacy, communication, and function. In my practice, I provide couples and individuals with expert guidance, non-judgmental support, and evidence-based tools for enhancing sexual well-being.
Online therapy
I offer online therapy and counseling services for those who prefer or are unable to travel to sessions. In the modern landscape of mental health care, online therapy is a convenient and flexible means of engaging with therapy. If you prefer to stay at home and get therapy online, we can still explore and address challenges, develop resilience, and learn tools for coping, just like in-person therapy!
If you’re interested in any of the above services remember that I’m just a phone call away. Reach out for further insight about how se
FAQs about working with a therapist in Cincinnati
Are Therapists Worth Seeing?
We all have different needs. In some cases, you might benefit from simply speaking to a friend, while in other cases one might need more comprehensive or specific mental health treatment.
Deciding if it’s worth seeing a therapist comes down to your subjective sense of worth. Still, I’ve seen clients experience profound transformation in just a few sessions, so I believe that therapy is at least worth a try.
How Do I Pick a Therapist?
The therapist-client relationship is key to successful therapy. So, when choosing a therapist, consider their approach and your needs, their experience, and their areas of expertise. Find a therapist who can understand your specific circumstances and with whom you feel comfortable sharing.
It’s important to consider the therapist’s area of expertise. For example, some therapists focus on helping clients going through recovery from substance abuse, while others focus more on treating intrapersonal issues such as depression and anxiety.
If you’re dealing with relationship problems, a couples therapist can help. If your issue is substance use, a specialist substance abuse treatment program is more appropriate. If you’re experiencing emotional pain or reduced functioning from past trauma, a trauma-informed therapist is the right choice.
I understand that it’s hard to know how comfortable you will feel with someone before you meet them. If you’re interested in working with me then consider scheduling a free phone consultation. We can connect, discuss your goals, and explore how we could work together.
What’s the Difference Between a Therapist and a Counselor and a Psychiatrist?
Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists are all mental health professionals, but there are some differences. Therapists like myself focus on helping clients by providing evidence-based therapy modalities and offer emotional support when you feel stuck. I’m also a counselor. We focus on helping clients work on specific issues or navigate life transitions. Psychiatrists are a type of medical doctor and can prescribe medication.
When it comes to working with any mental health professional, the relationship should be collaborative and focused on your well-being. If you’re confused about finding the right mental health services for you, I can guide you through the process.
Get on the path toward a better life today.
Taking that first step on your journey to whole health takes courage, so congratulate yourself for even doing some research. As a certified Cincinnati therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S), and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S), I work with adults from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
I’m here to offer new clients (including men, women, couples, parents, and LGBTQ+ folks) expert guidance and support on this unique journey. I empower you to face and overcome whatever is holding you back, whether it’s dealing with anxiety, healing from abuse, overcoming depression, or any other issue that is holding you back. Therapy with me is an opportunity to enhance your self-awareness, develop emotional resilience, and build life skills that will help you achieve lasting change.
If you’re ready to experience the transformative power of adults therapy sessions, I encourage you to schedule a free phone consultation. This is a no-obligation conversation for us to discuss your therapy goals and figure out a tailored approach to your healing.