Julie Ekman, LCSW

Julie Ekman brings 29 years of social work experience to her practice in Illinois, combining clinical expertise with a long history of work in schools and family settings. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver - a graduate degree that prepares clinicians for clinical social work and therapeutic practice - and a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University - a graduate degree focused on leadership and support within educational settings.

Her professional background includes roles as a family therapist and as a school social worker, with 26 of those years devoted to supporting middle school students. That experience informs a practical, grounded approach to therapy that addresses the needs of individuals, families, and adolescents navigating academic and developmental challenges.

Julie uses a holistic, client-centered framework that draws on strengths-based, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral techniques. She emphasizes meeting people where they are and partnering with them to develop a treatment plan tailored to their priorities and goals. Her core areas of focus include stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation and self-esteem, life goals and career concerns, and coping with life changes.

In addition to these primary specialties, Julie works with issues related to chronic pain and illness, communication and control problems, divorce and separation, forgiveness, guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, life purpose and midlife concerns, panic and social anxiety, women's issues, and workplace difficulties. She approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, offering steady support for those ready to take the next step toward a more satisfying life.