Julie Ekman

Julie Ekman is a licensed clinical social worker with 29 years of experience. She practices in Illinois and focuses on helping people handle stress, anxiety, family conflict, and life changes in straightforward ways.

She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University. Much of her career was spent as a school social worker and family therapist, including 26 years working with middle school students. Those roles shaped her practical approach to everyday problems.

Julie uses a client-centered style that highlights strengths and aims for workable solutions. She commonly draws on solution-focused ideas and cognitive behavioral techniques to help people shift habits and manage upsetting thoughts. Sessions tend to center on clear goals and small steps that build confidence over time.

People turn to her for help with motivation, self-esteem, career challenges, and coping during transitions such as divorce and separation. She also supports those dealing with chronic pain or illness, feelings of isolation, guilt, and issues around forgiveness.

Julie emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in her room. She works together with each person to create a plan that fits their life and priorities. To begin, she asks people to identify practical goals and then tries strategies that can be adjusted as needed.

Evidence-based approaches and online support

Julie commonly uses cognitive behavioral ideas and solution-focused techniques in plain language. Cognitive behavioral methods help people recognize unhelpful thoughts and try different reactions to reduce anxiety and panic. Solution-focused work narrows in on what a person wants to change next and builds small practical steps to get there.

She also draws on strengths-based perspectives that highlight what already works in a person’s life and expands those abilities. That approach can be helpful for boosting self-esteem, handling career challenges, and coping with transitions like divorce and separation.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. She collaborates with each person to choose techniques that match their goals, preferences, and life situation. Together they try methods, check what helps, and adjust as needed.

Session format options are not specified in the provided biography, so please confirm current session formats before booking. Many people find online sessions convenient because they can fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and pick a quieter moment for focused work. Others value shorter check-ins by phone when they need a quick plan for a stressful moment. Talk with the therapist during scheduling to choose what fits your routine and goals.