Hi there, I’m Julia. I’m a licensed therapist working with people who may look like they have it all together on the outside, but feel anxious, self-critical, and overwhelmed on the inside. I grew up in the Chicagoland area (and currently live in Chicago), received my undergraduate degree in social work from Seattle University, and completed my master of social work at the University of Michigan.
On a personal note…
When I’m not in sessions, I’m likely spending time with my husband, friends, and cat. I love exploring a new coffee shop, watching my favorite comfort shows (Downton Abbey, Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore Girls), and attempting a new hobby (currently navigating the “I’m not good at this yet and want to quit” phase of cross-stitching). I’m normally drinking 2-3 beverages at a time and love going for walks.
I used to joke that I wanted to be a therapist, but hated being in therapy until I found a therapist that connected with me and my experiences. As an eldest daughter, recovering people pleaser, perfectionist, and lifelong learner, I believe that community and relationships can lead to transformational healing. My own experiences support my ability to create a space of understanding and empathy for my clients. The opportunity to be a therapist and witness change and trust in others is a deep honor and privilege.
Julia Vache, MSW, LMSW
Who I See
I work with individuals who are highly self-aware, navigating high-pressure jobs or caretaker roles, experiencing big changes (that maybe feel all-consuming), exploring complicated relationship dynamics, and more!
I specialize in providing growth-oriented therapy to adults that goes beyond connecting dots to support behavioral and relational change. We’ll of course talk about the “why” in therapy, but we will also dig deeper to identify “what next”.
We might work well together if…
You're looking for a therapist who is genuine, down-to-earth, and willing to have honest conversations, even the uncomfortable ones. There is no change without challenge, but the best therapy happens through a real relationship where you feel supported, understood, and gently challenged when it helps you grow. I trust that you are the expert on your own life. My role is to help you reconnect with the wisdom that's already within you.
Michigan license: #6801121692
Illinois coming soon!
I operate from a core belief: I will never know you better than you know yourself. I deeply value and appreciate your innate wisdom and utilize a collaborative approach to therapy.
I pull from several approaches to therapy, primarily using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (values and relationships to your thoughts/feelings), attachment-oriented (how your early relationships informed your present relational patterns), strengths-based (building with what you know works), and relational (developing trust and connection in the therapeutic space). In all my work, I incorporate intersectional and systemic framework to understand how your identities influence your therapeutic goals.
TL;DR: The way therapy looks for you will be tailored to who you are. I’m committed to seeing you as a whole person with lived experience that informs who you are and how you see the world.