Elva 'Julia' Garafola - Mental Health Counselor | The Center for Internet & Technology Addiction

Accepting new clients

12 years experience

About Elva ‘Julia’ Garafola

As a licensed therapist in TX and MO, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life’s complex challenges. My practice is deeply rooted in understanding the nuanced experiences of diverse clients, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth.

I offer a compassionate, holistic approach that honors each individual’s unique journey. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including self-love, communication challenges, life transitions, trauma recovery, and personal empowerment. I am particularly committed to supporting clients navigating complex emotional landscapes, from workplace stress to interpersonal dynamics.

My approach is collaborative and person-centered, designed to help you develop meaningful insights, build resilience, and create positive change. Whether you’re experiencing relationship difficulties, struggling with personal identity, or seeking guidance through significant life transitions, I’m dedicated to providing supportive, affirming care that respects your individual experience and goals.

Licenses

LCSW

56813

LCSW

2024038145

Professional experience

Anger management
Career difficulties
Compassion fatigue
Coping with life changes
Depression
Family conflicts
Grief
LGBT
Parenting issues
Relationship issues
Self esteem
Sleeping disorders
Stress, Anxiety
Trauma and abuse

Additional Focus Areas

Abandonment
Adoption and foster care
Aging and geriatric issues
Attachment issues
Blended family issues
Body image
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Eating and food-related issues
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Forgiveness
Gender dysphoria
Guilt and shame
HIV / AIDS
Hoarding
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Multicultural concerns
Narcissism
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Postpartum depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-love
Sexual dysfunction
Sexuality
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Clinical Approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Mindfulness Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy

Languages

English

15 Reviews

“Caring, attentive and helpful to my therapy needs.”

“Julia is a spectacular therapist! She listens and asks inciteful questions to help me realize I can make good decisions and live a better life. I always look forward to our visits. Even on days I think I really don't have anything to talk about, I end up discovering something that happened during the week really mattered. She is my biggest cheerleader and helps me continue to work on myself.”

“Julia is thoughtful and attentive”

“Julia is very knowledgeable and listens”

“Good therapist listens take the time to get to know you.”

“Excellent and professional therapist.”

“Julia is great! Attentive to my concerns and great guidance.”

“I feel that she listens to me and validates my feelings”

“Thoughtful therapist that listens and provides a non judgemental approach.”

“Offered me hope and a path for a good treatment plan. I’m excited.”

“Julia is very sweet. I love her. I don’t want to leave her, just had some things come up. Great to talk to and very supportive.”

“Love the session with my therapist”

“Julia is wonderful and so insightful. I sometimes wonder if she knows what I’m thinking and what I have been through because of the specific questions she asks. Her counsel is much appreciated.”

“She’s awesome and listens well!”

“She was very professional and a great listener.<br /> I felt at ease talking to her.”

These reviews represent a few of the most recent positive reviews from the therapist's clients on BetterHelp. Some people's experience may be different.