Julie Ames

Hi, I am Julie Ames. My faith informs how I approach my clients. Christ is the great physician. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). I believe as counselors we are the hands and feet of Christ.

My personal journey with counseling began when I was 25 years old. As a young adult, I sought out counseling and completed the Adult Children of Alcoholics 12 step program. I also read 60 books during a five year period on relationships, positive thinking, and spiritual matters. I was practicing Cognitive Mental Behavior Therapy before I understood what it was. Years later, my husband and I would seek out counseling for our marriage and at times for our children.

I am Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is extremely effective with trauma and in facilitating lasting healing by helping the brain’s natural healing process. I work with individuals dealing with anxiety and depression as well as substance-abuse and trauma. I also enjoy working with couples and figuring out blocks to greater intimacy. Additionally, I have both personal and professional experience working with families who have a child or family member with special needs.

I believe life is a gift and there is a reason that we are here. There are times when the challenges we experience in our lives are perplexing and sometimes overwhelming. It is helpful during these times to have someone to walk beside us.   Each of us has our own stories, and there is healing in sharing these stories in a safe place. It would be an honor to walk beside you as you share your story and life experiences and begin your journey of healing and finding hope. 

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6).  Life is a journey! I have been an engineer, stay at home mother, radio show host, author, and  a counselor. I am a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Industrial Systems Engineering. I am also a graduate of Liberty University with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate in Texas as well as a National Certified Counselor. I am also a certified Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) Assessment Facilitator; a member of the American Counseling Association; and the American Association of Christian Counseling.

A couple areas that I am both grateful for and feel proud of is the publication of my book  entitled A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude – No They are not Okay … but It’s Okay! Raising Special Needs Kids.  In the book I discuss marriage, parenting, boundaries, and the challenges associated with having children with special needs.  Also, I am grateful and proud about starting a radio program and watching it grow in listenership over the years. My husband and I have three adult daughters. The oldest two are on the Autism Spectrum and have intellectual disabilities. Our youngest recently graduated from college and is beginning working in her professional career.

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