Julia Shirar Therapy Austin

Julia Shirar, LPC

Senior Counselor
Fully Licensed
Specialized in Depth Psychology

Hello! Pleased to meet you here. 

These first steps of deciding to do therapy and then finding the right therapist can be pretty overwhelming. Keep on keeping on and trust your gut through this process. Thank you for visiting my page! 

My approach is rooted in the belief that no matter what a person has going on, there is an internal compass guiding them towards integration. I incorporate depth psychology, relational psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness modalities, existential therapy, and ACT. I also incorporate creative arts therapy, working with dreams, images, metaphor, and movement. 

My style is client-centered, warm, grounded, curious, humorous and authentic. I also challenge in moments that call for that extra push. 

My specializations include complex trauma, anxiety/depression, women’s issues, body image issues, healing from controlling or neglectful parents, dissociation/depersonalization, relationship issues, communication issues, cultural identity issues, identity exploration, grief/loss, and creativity blocks.   

I also work with a lot of artists, writers, creatives, researchers, therapists, and folks who grew up moving around a lot (military kids, Third Culture Kids, global nomads, etc). 

I have a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. My clinical experience includes working with individual adults, couples, and children at Capital Area Counseling and Ojai Unified School District. 

In my free time, you might find me walking/hiking with my pups, riding bikes, painting, researching & reading, listening to podcasts, or finding refreshing waters to swim in! 

Thank you so much for visiting my page. If you would like to work together, call me at 512/201-4501, ext. 558. I will be delighted to hear from you and to start our therapy together.

Work with Julia

Would you like to talk to someone directly about counseling? Call us at (512) 201-4501 ext. 1.

Phone calls are answered Monday through Friday, 1pm-4pm.

More about Julia

Area of Expertise

Trauma-Informed, Dissociation, Anxiety

Person-Centered, Culturally Sensitive, and Accepting

Creativity Therapy, Somatically-Informed, Dream Work

Specializations

Depth Psychology

Services

Individual Counseling

Locations

South Banister

Works With

Anxiety & Stress
Depression/Low Mood
Trauma
Substance Use
Loneliness/Isolation
Low Self-Esteem
Troubled Childhood
Troublesome Behaviors
Obsessive/Compulsive Tendencies
Problem Thoughts
Perfectionism
Personal Growth
Life Transitions
Spirituality
Grief & Loss
Exploring Sexuality/Sexual Expression
Gender Identity
Parenting
Issues with Parents
Communication Issues
Conflict Resolution
Anger Management
Relationship Issues
Divorce
Death & Dying
Caregiver Fatigue
Chronic Illness
Neurodivergence (ADD/Autism)
Interrupted Sleep/Insomnia
Career Transitions
Problems at Work
Problems at School
Relationship to Food/Body
Inner Critic/Negative Self Talk
Imposter Syndrome
Development Trauma
Identity Development/Exploration
Issues Related to Oppression
Non-Monogamy/Polyamory
Premarital Issues

Techniques & Experience

Focused on practicing skills
Helpful with mid-20's challenges
Anxiety alleviation experience
Specializing in grief, loss, death, dying
Trauma-focused
Familiar with substance abuse
HAES/Intuitive eating
DBT trained/informed
ACT - Values Based Therapy
Mindfulness modalities
Career counseling
Integrates art therapies
CBT oriented
Solution-focused/Brief Therapy
Practices from an anti-racist lens
IFS (Parts work)
EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy)

Qualities

Warm & caring
Calm & slow-paced
Friendly & direct
Focused on practicing skills
Motherly
Fatherly
Youthful
Active sense of humor
Decades of life experience
Helpful with mid-20's challenges
Enjoys working with young adults
Anxiety alleviation experience
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Specializing in grief, loss, death, dying
Trauma focused
Spiritually sensitive
Professional experience other than counseling
Familiar with substance abuse
Experienced in eating issues
Effective with high-conflict couples
CBT oriented
DBT friendly
Solution-focused/Brief Therapy
ACT - Values Based Therapy
Mindfulness modalities
Career counseling
Familiar with military culture
Integrates art therapies
Enjoys working with older adults
Enjoys working with midlife adults
Lived experience/Identity affirming
Enjoys working with first-time therapy clients
Work with Julia
Additional Info

Contact Julia

512-201-4501 ext 558