Julia Bickerstaff, MS, LPC, NCC
Starting your therapy journey takes a lot of courage, so I commend you for being here!
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It's normal to experience mixed emotions during this process: hope, anxiety, excitement, uncertainty.
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I want to take the time to introduce myself and welcome you to the start of your counseling journey.
It's so nice to meet you!
Areas of Expertise
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Trichotillomania (hair-pulling)
Excoriation Disorder (skin-picking)
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Anxiety
Specific Phobias
Agoraphobia
Panic Disorder
Illness Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Treatment Approaches
Evidence-based treatments are therapeutic approaches that are supported by research and proven to be most helpful for that particular mental health condition. I utilize these approaches in sessions, particularly the following;
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP)
Acceptance & Committment Therapy (ACT)
Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)
Comprehensive Behavioral Model (ComB)​
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Education & Background
I attended the University of Pittsburgh (H2P!) where I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a minor in studio arts, and a children's literature certificate.
I then received my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gannon University in my hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania.
During my time in school, I worked in a variety of mental health settings, including child development centers, outpatient clinics, school-based settings, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and research domains.
While at Pitt, I was on two research teams and eventually published a research paper as first author for a study that explored the effects of blogging in adolescents and young adults with depression and anxiety symptoms.
I completed my practicum and internship at Mercyhurst University's Counseling Center, which sparked my initial interest in treating anxiety.
Career Experience
After graduating from school, I moved to Maryland where I worked at a private practice that specialized in treating OCD and related disorders. This opportunity led me right to my niche; I discovered what I was passionate about and strengthened my dedication to helping those build confidence and regain trust within themselves.
I moved to Texas in 2023 and continued to grow in my expertise by working at another specialty practice for two years, fine-tuning my skills and knowledge.
Which leads us to today!
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I love providing psychoeducation and I constantly strive to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental health. However, my favorite part of my job is watching my clients face their fears, reach their goals, and discover their strength.
Personal Facts
Now that you've read about my clinical experience, here's a look into who I am outside of the therapy room:
I deeply value spending quality time with friends, family, and my husband.
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I love art, especially painting, pen and ink, and digital art. I've even designed a few tattoos for myself and my friends!
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I recently started reading for fun again and am loving every minute of it. Big fan of romantasy, rom-coms, and psychological thrillers (obviously).​
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I love trying new coffee shops and restaurants.
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I really enjoy workout classes, especially cycling and Pilates.
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I'm a Swiftie, and my favorite eras are folkmore and TTPD.
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I have a cat named Nova, who loves to join in on my sessions from time to time (I'm sure you'll meet her at some point).
