Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Barr.
Hi Julie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Being from the Midwest, I completed my education throughout parts of Missouri before starting my career in a tiny little town in Kansas. I worked as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in outpatient setting where I became intensively trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), treating both adolescents and adults. In 2014, when our family relocated back home to Missouri, I wanted to work in a setting where I could continue utilizing my DBT skills and began my work at McCallum Place, a local eating disorder treatment center. Although I didn’t set out to work with this population, it became my heart’s passion. I worked as a therapist and clinical director of the program at McCallum Place before relocating one more time to Dallas, TX where I’ve lived and worked since since 2017. I remained in the eating disorder treatment setting supporting individuals and families receiving treatment at a higher level of care from 2017-2020 before starting my own private practice in in March of 2020.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course there were struggles along the way. Relocating three times throughout my career brought it’s own challenges, but I trust that I landed exactly where I was supposed to with each move. Additionally, since I didn’t set out to work with the eating disorder population, there was a STEEP learning curve when I started and I experienced a lot of imposter syndrome over the years (which still creeps in sometimes to this very day). However, my time working alongside seasoned professionals in the higher level of care setting pushed me and supported my growth both personally and professionally.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While I was initially known for my work treating individuals with eating disorders across all levels of care (and still d0), I’m now most known for supporting parents and families. I work with parents who have children or adult children with eating disorders and/or other physical, emotional, or cognitive health challenges. The biggest influence on my professional career? Becoming a parent myself. Becoming a parent significantly shifted my perspective and increased my compassion and sensitivity to parents’ needs as they navigate personal, overwhelming, and unknown circumstances. Through use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EFFT (Emotion Focused Family Therapy), and client centered therapy, I provide a space just for them to externalize and understand their emotional and behavioral responses, acquire skills for supporting themselves and their loved one, grieve, or heal associated trauma. When the loved one is ready to participate in therapy, I will support the entire family system in improving communication, connection and resolving conflict effectively.
I feel honored to support these families and feel so connected to the work I do. I believe my relatability, skills, sense of humor, and directness set me apart. I prioritize collaboration and communication with community providers to support the progression of both the individual and family in their healing journey.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe my authenticity, humor, compassion, and humility have supported my growth and success. These characteristics have supported my ability to create many meaningful and collaborative relationships with providers and clients in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://empowered-counseling.com/julie-barr/
- Email: juliebarrcounseling@gmail.com
- Phone: 469-888-1896
- Psycology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/julie-barr-richardson-tx/713884
Image Credits
Lumos Creative
