Julie Stark, LCSW,  we are thrilled to welcome to the Limitless Counseling PLLC team! Julie is a compassionate and highly experienced therapist who specializes in integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with creative arts therapy to enhance emotional wellness. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Maryland and pursued her Master’s in Creative Arts Therapy at the prestigious Pratt Institute. Continuing her dedication to holistic, evidence-based therapeutic support, Julie also obtained a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook. Julie brings extensive training and experience from diverse settings, having worked with various populations, including adolescents and teenagers affected by domestic violence. Her empathetic approach helps them process their experiences and develop effective coping strategies. Additionally, Julie’s time at Stony Brook University Hospital’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Department (CPEP) has equipped her with the skills to manage acute crises and provide critical support in high-pressure situations.

As well, Julie is certified in Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy (TBCT), a distinctive cognitive therapy model similar to standard CBT. TBCT is an active approach to treatment that helps clients recognize situationally based thoughts and unhelpful beliefs that exacerbate emotional distress. One of the main goals of both methods is to help clients modify the so-called core beliefs (CBs), which are those global, rigid, and over-generalized perceptions about themselves that are accepted as absolutely true to the point that they do not question them. However, TBCT has a unique approach to conceptualization and techniques that make it a distinct intervention in modifying clients’ CBs.

An avid photographer, Julie believes in the powerful interplay between psychology and photography as a means of personal growth. She incorporates creative metaphors into her therapeutic practice through various photography-based techniques, including:

• Photo Narratives and Storytelling: Clients use their photographs to create visual narratives of their lives, expressing complex emotions and memories.

• Photo Self-Portraits: Exploring identity and self-image through self-portraits, helping clients examine how they see themselves and how they wish to be seen.

• Symbolic Photography: Utilizing metaphors in photography to represent emotions, providing a tangible way to externalize inner experiences.

• Thematic Photo Assignments: Clients take photos based on specific themes, facilitating discussions that bring hidden thoughts and feelings to light.

• Found Photography and Exploration: Reflecting on existing photos to identify patterns and reframe past experiences, especially useful in trauma work.​

These modalities allow Julie to tailor her approach to each client's needs, offering a unique blend of creativity and evidence-based practice. Her pragmatic, non-judgmental style emphasizes the importance of connection, creating a safe environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings.

Julie is particularly dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of reintegration and confidence in social settings, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With her diverse background and innovative methodologies, Julie Stark meets clients where they are, integrating trauma-informed care with imaginative therapeutic techniques to foster healing and growth. Whether through traditional talk therapy and/or engaging in creative-based exercises, Julie is committed to supporting her clients on their journey toward understanding and transformation.

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At Limitless Counseling PLLC, our mission is to offer compassionate and effective therapeutic support. With Julie Stark, LCSW joining our team, we are even more capable of helping clients through life’s toughest challenges and empowering them to achieve their personal goals.