FEMALE THERAPIST CINCINNATI

Takeaway: Finding the right therapist for you can be tough–but it’s completely worth it. As a female therapist in Cincinnati, I help individuals and couples strengthen their relationships with themselves and each other. Get in touch today to start the process.

Struggling to find the right Cincinnati therapist? Finding the right therapist can be hard, especially in the hustle and bustle of the city. In Cincinnati, we’re lucky to have plenty of therapists, but even with so many mental health professionals in the city, it can be hard to find one that suits you. 

Aside from availability, what is it that makes a suitable therapist? How do you know which type of therapist and therapy is appropriate for your needs? Is there a difference between seeing a male or female therapist? And is it ok to have a preference about your therapist’s gender?

Meet Julie Hattershire, LISW-S | Female therapist in Cincinnati, OH


Hi, I’m Julie Hattershire, a female therapist in Cincinnati. I specialize in therapy and counseling for individuals, couples, parents, and LGBTQ+ folks. With decades of experience in evidence-based therapy and counseling, I understand the importance of finding the right therapeutic relationship.

My experience covers a diverse client base. From anxiety and depression in adults to confusing relationship dynamics to sexuality and intimacy exploration, I’ve seen clients begin sessions feeling hopeless and leaving therapy positively transformed.

What makes me the right therapist for you? I approach therapy with empathy, collaboration, compassion, and client empowerment in mind. I understand that your needs and reasons for seeking therapy are unique to you and that your confidence in the therapeutic relationship is key.

My style is based on therapist-client collaboration. I won’t sit here and tell you what’s wrong or explain away your problems. I’ll offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore what’s been going on for you, your thoughts and feelings, and your concerns so that you can explore, grow, and discover your innate strengths.

If you’re considering working with me, know that in addition to my professional experience, I am also deeply committed to your well-being. Warmth and compassion are fundamental in my sessions.

I focus on a strengths-based perspective, where we work together to identify and build upon your innate and unique qualities. In therapy, we won’t only address your current problems or challenges, we’ll figure out together how to empower you to thrive in your life.

Mental Health Services I Offer


Looking for one-to-one therapy, couples therapy, or parental support, or are you a member of the LGBT community looking for informed care? I’m here for you.

Reaching out for therapy is not always an easy decision, so congratulate yourself for even considering it. I know that therapy can seem daunting at first but it’s one of the most courageous and beneficial decisions you can make in your life. 

As a Cincinnati female therapist, I’m here to offer a range of mental health services to meet your individual needs, including:

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Individual therapy is a safe space for you to explore your concerns, feelings, self-esteem, and life in general. I work with men, women, and non-binary clients in a completely confidential and compassionate environment. I understand that sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings may not be easy, but I’m here to help you explore, discover, and feel empowered. You can learn more about individual therapy with me here.

COUPLES THERAPY

I know firsthand how complicated relationships can be. In couples therapy, I offer you and your partner an open, judgment-free zone to navigate your relationship challenges, work on effective communication and mutual understanding, and strengthen your bond. Together we’ll focus on conflict resolution, intimacy, and connection. Are you interested in couples therapy? Learn more about my approach here.

THERAPY FOR MEN

Did you know that men are far less likely than women to reach out for mental health support? Most of the men who visit my practice already understand the problem with the stigma around men’s mental health, but many men are still suffering in silence. 

I provide a supportive, trauma-informed environment for men to explore and process challenging and confusing emotions free of judgment or inhibition. Let’s break stereotypes together! You can learn more about men’s therapy here.

THERAPY FOR PARENTS

In my practice, I offer compassion and understanding in addition to evidence-based support for parents feeling stress, communication issues within the family, or seeking guidance about family dynamics. I support your unique challenges with practical tools and valuable insights so that you can move toward harmony within your family life. Learn more about my approach to therapy for parents here.

THERAPY FOR LGBTQ+

I offer informed and compassionate support and tools to help folks explore identity concerns, relationship health, and mental health. I understand the importance of a safe space for expression and exploration, especially in a world that can be so hostile at times. You can learn more about therapy for LGBTQ+ here.

When to seek therapy?


If you’re wondering ‘When is the right time to start seeking therapy for mental health issues?’, the right time is now. Women in particular face a high risk of mental health issues, so it’s best not to hesitate. Research shows that Women are at a high risk of anxiety and depression in adulthood, and issues such as eating disorders and BPD are much higher in women.

Female Cincinnati therapists such as myself are available to help you face and overcome a wide range of challenges, including but not limited to:

  • Anxiety/depression
  • Anxiety disorders (eating disorders, phobias, generalized anxiety)
  • Grief and loss
  • Concerns around sexuality
  • Relationship issues
  • Women’s mental health issues
  • Trauma, stress, and overwhelm
  • Fears around control

I help you develop the tools and skills necessary to cope with and overcome any issues you may be facing through:

  • Development of effective personal life skills
  • Tips, tools, and techniques for mental wellness
  • A customized roadmap for relationship difficulties
  • Experience with women’s issues
  • Establishing healthy boundaries
  • Identifying the root causes of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
  • A customized support and treatment plan based on your unique needs

Who can benefit from working with a female therapist?


New clients should feel comfortable with their therapist. Choosing to engage in therapy is a deeply personal decision, so factors such as the therapeutic relationship are important to consider. 

The gender of your therapist can play a role in how comfortable you feel opening up in a session. That’s not to say that one gender is better at therapy than another, but one person might feel more comfortable talking to a man while another would prefer talking to a woman.

Why Choose a Female Therapist?:

  • Cultural sensitivity: Female therapists tend to offer a nuanced approach to cultural and social factors that affect clients, offering relatable insights on identity and diversity issues.
  • Communication style: Women tend to inherently emphasize active listening where therapy is focused on building trust in the therapeutic relationship.
  • Navigating relationship complexities: Women have a natural tendency and capacity to lead an exploration of relationship complexities, making us particularly effective as family or relationship therapists. 
  • Awareness and understanding: Women therapists tend to understand on a personal level the role of identity and sense of belonging in the context of mental and emotional health. 
  • Women’s issues: As therapists, both men and women are professionally trained to support clients of all backgrounds. Still, if you’re a woman seeking support for women’s issues specifically, such as concerns around pregnancy, borderline personality disorder (more common in women than men), depression during the postpartum period, being a mother to your children, the aftermath of sexual assault, or more women’s issues, female therapists can offer deep understanding and empathic, compassionate support.

Of course, every individual is different. Just because a therapist is female doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll be the right therapist for you. The goal is to find an attuned and informed therapist who understands your needs and circumstances. 

Still, if you want to embark on your therapeutic journey with a female therapist, I encourage you to do so. Whether you’re struggling with emotional pain, past trauma, specific women’s issues, anxiety/depression, or any of a range of other common issues, the right female therapist in Cincinnati, OH may be of significant help.

FAQs about working with a female therapist in Cincinnati

Many clients feel comfortable exploring specific issues with a specific gender. If you have a gender preference for the therapeutic relationship, that’s normal. The main goal is that you experience therapy sessions as a safe place to address the challenges and concerns in your life.

I know women and men alike who prefer to talk to a woman about their concerns. 

Your therapy journey is deeply personal, so you’re allowed to have preferences. If you struggle to explore issues with one gender then reach out for your gender of preference. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship has a significant influence on the outcome of therapy. If you feel that working with a woman would make it easier to form a strong therapeutic alliance, trust that feeling.

Cincinnati therapists who specialize in women’s issues possess a deep understanding of the experiences and challenges women face, and many women feel more comfortable talking to another woman about common women’s issues. Examples of women’s issues include:

  • Relationship and intimacy complexities
  • Concerns around identity
  • Social anxiety around other women
  • Societal pressures
  • Motherhood, families, and raising teens
  • Postpartum depression
  • Aftermath of sexual assault
  • Home-life-work balance
  • Posttraumatic stress
  • Eating disorders
  • Borderline personality
  • Mood-related challenges
  • Role in your child’s school life
  • Low self-worth
  • Self-harming behavior

Note that just because a therapist is a woman, that doesn’t necessarily mean she focuses on women’s issues in her practice!

As a trained female therapist and licensed professional counselor in Cincinnati, I serve clients experiencing a broad range of concerns, including but not limited to women’s issues. 

Start building deeper connections today


A healthy connection with ourselves and others is key to living a fulfilling life. However, life is full of challenges that can interfere with that connection and make us suffer. Overcoming these challenges requires a strategic approach.

As a female Cincinnati therapist and counselor, I base my approach on deep understanding and compassion. I emphasize the power of collaboration within the therapeutic relationship, so I understand how important it is to find the right therapist for your needs. I support women’s mental health and other women’s issues but my client base is diverse.

I invite you to put your mental health first. I want you to prioritize your healing so that you can show up effectively and lead a full, joyful life.

If you’re ready to treat the root causes of your issues and restore balance to your life, reach out for a free phone consultation. We’ll talk about your needs and goals and figure out strategies for healing and coping with difficulties in a healthy way.