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How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many of my clients come to therapy because they’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together on their own.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, self-doubt, relationship challenges, burnout, or a major life transition, therapy can help you better understand yourself, develop healthier patterns, and create meaningful change.

What issues do you help with?

Anxiety and chronic stress

Perfectionism

Self-esteem and self-confidence issues

Relationship challenges

Dating and attachment concerns

Burnout and overwhelm

Life transitions

Emotional regulation difficulties

Family conflict

Friendship challenges

Depression

Identity and self-discovery

Who do you work with?

I work with teens, young adults, adults, and couples who are navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-doubt, perfectionism, depression, trauma, and stress. While many of my clients are young women and high achievers, I work with people of all genders who are looking for greater insight, healthier relationships, and meaningful change.

Do you offer therapy for teens?

Yes. I provide therapy for teens facing challenges such as anxiety, academic stress, friendship struggles, self-esteem issues, body image issues, eating disorders, family conflict, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, relationship issues and social pressures.

Being a teenager today comes with unique challenges, and therapy can provide a safe space to develop confidence, coping skills, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self.

I'm a parent of a teen. How much can you tell me?

Confidentiality is an important part of effective teen therapy.

In order for adolescents to benefit from therapy, they need a space where they can speak openly and honestly. At the same time, I believe parents play an important role in the therapeutic process.

I work collaboratively with families while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and communication. If there are concerns related to safety or wellbeing, I will always take the necessary steps to protect your child.

What can I expect from our first session together?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other.

We’ll discuss what’s bringing you to therapy, what challenges you’re facing, and what you’d like to see change. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and together we’ll determine whether we’re a good fit.

Many clients leave the first session feeling relieved to finally have a space where they can be honest about what’s been weighing on them.

You're relatively young. Will we be a good fit?

Many clients appreciate working with someone who understands the unique pressures of modern life, relationships, social media, career demands, family expectations, and the challenges facing young adults today.

That said, age is far less important than connection. The most important factor in successful therapy is finding someone you feel comfortable talking to and someone who understands what you’re going through.

What makes your approach different?

I’m not the therapist who’s going to sit there silently and ask, “And how does that make you feel?” for 50 minutes.

I believe insight is important, but insight alone doesn’t create change. My approach is active, honest, and practical. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck, call out the patterns that aren’t serving you, and work on making real changes that actually show up in your life outside of therapy.

We’ll do meaningful work, but we’ll also be real. Sometimes that means having hard conversations. Sometimes it means laughing at the absurdity of being human. Most of the time, it’s a little of both.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are 50 minutes.

How much do you charge per session?

My fee is $200 per session.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. I offer virtual therapy sessions for clients located anywhere in California.

Online therapy provides the same level of support, connection, and effectiveness as in-person therapy while offering greater flexibility and convenience.

How often should I come to therapy?

Most clients begin with weekly therapy sessions. As we make progress, we can adjust the frequency based on your goals, needs, and schedule.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly.

However, I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement depending on your out-of-network benefits.

Do you work with couples?

Yes. I work with couples who want to improve communication, rebuild trust, navigate conflict more effectively, or strengthen their connection. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply feeling disconnected, therapy can help you better understand each other and create a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.

Does couples therapy mean our relationship is in trouble?

Not at all. Many couples come to therapy before problems become overwhelming. Some want to improve communication, strengthen their relationship, prepare for marriage, or break recurring patterns before they cause lasting damage. Therapy isn’t just for relationships in crisis—it’s also for relationships that want to grow.

What type of method's do you use in couple's therapy?

I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), one of the most researched and effective approaches for helping couples strengthen their relationship. EFT focuses on understanding the emotional patterns underneath conflict, helping partners feel more connected, understood, and secure with one another. Rather than simply teaching communication skills, we work to identify and change the deeper cycle that’s keeping you stuck. I also draw from the Gottman Method and have training in its tools and interventions, though I am not formally certified in the approach.

What makes your approach to couple's therapy different?

I don’t believe most couples need a referee. They need help understanding the cycle they’re caught in and learning how to reconnect. My approach combines evidence-based techniques with honest, practical conversations. We’ll look beyond surface-level disagreements to understand what’s happening underneath, while also building skills that help you communicate more effectively and feel closer as a couple.

Can therapy help us rebuild trust after betrayal?

Yes. Whether you’re dealing with infidelity, broken trust, secrecy, or other relationship wounds, healing is possible—but it takes more than simply “moving on.”

Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I help couples understand the hurt underneath the conflict, rebuild emotional safety, and create a stronger, more secure connection. While not every relationship survives betrayal, many couples find that working through it together can lead to deeper honesty, trust, and intimacy.

How do I get started?

Getting started is simple.

Fill out the contact form on my website, or email me directly at julieafanelli@gmail.com to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss what’s bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and determine whether we’re a good fit to work together.