Therapist in Vancouver, Washington Julia Kostin, Therapist

I approach counseling from the belief that healing takes place within the context of a caring and compassionate relational setting. My goal is to help my clients through their change-making process by the use of an empathetic, non-judgmental, yet realistic approach rooted in a positive therapeutic relationship. I am dedicated to a collaborative process that relieves suffering by building a therapeutic relationship focused on shared goals of connection and growth. Additionally, I will offer flexible ways to promote healing, aiming to meet each of my clients where they are at in their process of change. This could include skill-building, psychoeducation, and both somatic as well as creative interventions. I believe that creativity can facilitate healing: art, music, writing, etc. encourages us to forge a connection between our mind, body, and spiritual self to promote healing. In addition, somatic and body-based mindfulness plays a significant role in my clinical approach to healing. In short, through these therapeutic approaches, my intention is to have my client’s needs and goals heard and met. On a personal level, I am a first generation American and my cultural identity plays a tremendous role in both who I am as an individual and a clinician. I believe that incorporating culture into our therapeutic process honors each of our unique backgrounds and allows for a stronger, more authentic connection. Also, I self-identify as a geek and love playing video games and board games. I like to bring these aspects of my identity into therapy to promote what sometimes can look like silliness, playfulness, and laughter, all in the hope of strengthening connection, safety, and authenticity in the healing process. It is an honor to walk alongside my clients in their journey of healing. I show up in a way that is honest and true, and look forward to celebrating your successes through this sometimes difficult, but ever-so worth-it healing process.