Take Back Your Life from Anxiety with Evidence-Based CBT Therapy.

Do you feel like you are constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop? Does worry keep you up at night, or do physical symptoms like a racing heart make it hard to focus?
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, often creating a cycle where avoidance and fear feel like the only options. It doesn’t have to be this way.
I provide specialized, evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Laguna Beach to help you break free from the cycle of anxiety and regain control of your life.
What is CBT for Anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, body sensations and environment.
Anxiety often stems from negatively biased thought patterns—like catastrophizing or overestimating danger. In our sessions, we won’t just talk about your problems; we will work together to actively change them.
CBT helps you:
  • Notice unhelpful thought patterns that fuel anxiety.
  • Challenge and reframe distorted thinking.
  • Face fears gradually, instead of avoiding them.
  • Calm your body and nervous system using practical relaxation tools.
How I Can Help
My approach to anxiety treatment is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your specific needs. I specialize in treating:
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Social Anxiety
  • Panic Disorder
Using CBT techniques—including thought records to evaluate anxiety, exposure exercises to build confidence, and mindfulness to ground yourself—you will learn to tolerate fears and reduce the intensity of your worries.
What to Expect in Therapy
CBT is a "here-and-now" therapy, meaning we focus on managing your current symptoms and improving your daily life.
  • Structured Sessions: Sessions are focused on your current life challenges. 
  • Active Participation: Therapy is collaborative. You will learn skills to become your own therapist.
  • Goal-Oriented: We focus on measurable progress.
  • Active Participation: You may be asked to practice skills between sessions to maximize your results.
  • Collaboration: We work together to define your goals.
  • Duration: While every person is different, CBT is generally a short-term, solution-focused therapy (often 12-16 weeks).
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Depression tells you that nothing will help, but that is a lie. Taking the first step to reach out is often the hardest part, but you don't have to do it alone.
Call, text or e-mail me for a complementary consultation.  Let's discuss whether this kind of therapy can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBT work for severe depression?
Yes. Studies have shown that CBT is effective for moderate to severe depression, often acting as a strong alternative or complement to medication.
Do you offer in-person or online therapy?
I offer both.  I can meet with you in my relaxing beachside office in Laguna Beach with a beautiful view of the hillside. Also, I offer secure, video-based sessions. Research indicates that online CBT is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression.
How long does it take to see results?
While everyone’s journey is different, many people begin to see improvements in their mood and coping skills within a few weeks of consistent practice.
Why work with Julie?
Choosing a therapist is about finding someone who truly understands the map of your recovery. Having served as a researcher in 2002 for the Harvard/Brown Anxiety Research Project (HARP) - one of the longest-running studies on the nature of anxiety - I bring a unique, data driven perspective to our sessions.  I don't just treat symptoms; I use my deep background in clinical research to help clients navigate the long-term path toward lasting relief.
Depression?
Often people find that they are dealing with a combination of anxiety and depression.  This is common and the symptoms overlap.  CBT can be used to treat both anxiety and depression.

Click here for more information on treating depression with CBT:  Treating Depression with CBT