Julia Batalla, M.A., Resident in Counseling
Women’s Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Grief & Loss Therapy, Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy
Julia Batalla, M.A.
My Mission Is To Help People Tap Into Their Capacity For Change
I believe we all possess innate strengths that can help us get through challenges in life, but sometimes it can be difficult to see these qualities within ourselves. As a therapist, I’m here to help you uncover the unique strengths that lie within you and harness them so that you can live a more joyful and meaningful life. I will walk beside you through whatever storms life throws your way, offering hope, clarity, and support. I understand the loneliness that often comes with difficult times, and my mission as a therapist is to ease that loneliness—to lighten your load so that you can journey toward deeper peace and understanding.
I’ve Always Been Drawn To Helping People In The Midst Of Dark Times
Early on in my life, I felt a gravitational pull toward being with people during the most challenging times in their lives. Although I wanted to integrate helping others into my career, it wasn’t until I went to therapy myself after the birth of my second child that I recognized my true calling.
My own life experiences have shaped my philosophy and approach as a therapist. Before becoming a therapist, I spent a decade working in corporate communications. My work experience gave me insight into the stressors and complexities that people in the corporate world face, and helped me understand how to recognize what is and is not within our control. I also know what it’s like to make a career change, from the significant decisions involved to the way the rest of your life has to adjust.
My own experience with parenthood has deepened my understanding of the challenges parents can face and the difficulties of adjusting to life as a parent. What’s more, I recognize how hard it is to navigate all the unrealistic—and often conflicting—expectations that parents deal with nowadays. My role as a therapist is to help parents develop self-compassion and confidence as they find what works best for their families.
My Strength-Based, Integrated Approach To The Healing Process
I work with a diverse range of clients who come to therapy for many different reasons, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and the challenges of navigating college and building a career. I’m also passionate about supporting people in all facets of parenthood, from infertility and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders to the everyday challenges of raising children.
In sessions with my clients, I like to blend the deeper work of approaches like Psychodynamic Therapy with practical, skills-oriented approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I seek to help people gain insight into why they do what they do and how they keep falling into old patterns, while giving them skills and strategies for initiating real change in their lives.
In the end, the most important part of therapy for me is the relationship I build with each client. While using my clinical expertise is important to me, I aim to bring my genuine personality into each session so that I can create a warm, safe space for clients. People often tell me that I have the ability to put them at ease because of my calming presence and nonjudgmental nature.
When there is a foundation of trust, our work together can deepen, allowing for more insights and leading to lasting change.
Who I Am Outside Of Therapy
When I’m not in session with my clients, you can often find me reading, cooking, and spending time in nature. I also love figure skating and playing tennis. Above all, nothing grounds me more than spending time with my family and my pets.
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step. If you’d like to learn more about working together, please feel free to get in touch.
Julia Batalla is a resident psychotherapist at Sarah Moore’s practice in Arlington, Virginia, with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She has advanced training in perinatal mental health from Postpartum Support International. In sessions with her clients, Julia pulls from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Existential Therapy.