Julianne Umbarger(She/Her/Hers)

Julianne Umbarger is a clinical social worker who works with people who know that something in their life isn’t quite right, but can’t figure out how to resolve it. These individuals, couples, and families often feel as though they’ve tried everything. They are motivated to take control of their lives; they want to see the world around them change. Julianne’s clients might be suffering from difficulties related to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or grief. Others may be trying to navigate work or school stress, relationship or family stress, behavior management issues, or feeling uncomfortable in their own skin.

Julianne’s treatment approach is guided by meeting her client where they are. Each client is unique and begins therapy at a unique readiness to make changes in their lives. Julianne utilizes elements from various treatment modalities; a customized approach is designed for each client based on their specific needs. During therapy sessions, clients envision what they want their lives to look like in order to identify specific goals for themselves. Clients leave sessions with practical action steps that may help them progress toward achieving their goals. During subsequent sessions, clients report back on their progress, discuss any new challenges since the prior session, and discuss further strategies moving forward. Change happens in layers; many small steps lead to major, lasting outcomes.

Julianne is a listener first. She recognizes that the client is the expert in their own life. Julianne seeks client input when proposing an action step to ensure that the suggestion is reasonable. Julianne envisions herself as the client’s partner in this journey toward change and growth; she seeks to empower clients to be able to solve future problems independently.

Julianne offers face-to-face therapy in her office in downtown Royal Oak and virtual therapy via a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.