Julie pursued her second master’s degree in her forties, and changing careers has been one of her greatest professional accomplishments. Previously, she worked as an educator for over 18 years and has been very meaningful in her transition further into the helping profession. She views being able to work alongside others on their healing journey as a tremendous blessing.

Dr. Brant-Rajahn’s course on multicultural counseling at Messiah University has significantly impacted her as it opened her eyes to social justice work and the growth needed in the counseling profession. This allowed her to take a look at privilege and racism at the micro and macro level and empowered her to not only be a better counselor but an ally. Another prominent influence is the film, Good Will Hunting, which reminds her that we should never make assumptions about anyone. The film covers a multitude of themes from socioeconomics, education, and childhood trauma to the value of a patient therapist helping a client heal.

Ms. Saragosa’s areas of focus include anxiety and depression counseling, teaching and helping professional burnout, life transitions, improving self-esteem, family therapy, questioning one's religion and spiritual path, substance abuse, divorce, and also grief counseling. She utilizes a variety of interventions throughout the therapeutic process to assist her clients in their growth and well-being. These modalities include solution-focused therapy, Gestalt, mindfulness, CBT, or social learning approaches - customized to the specific client’s needs. Every session is client-centered and always based on humanistic and strength-based approaches.

As Bruce Feiler wrote: “ Life is in the transitions”. For Saragosa, this rings true as major ‘life quakes’ in her personal life catalyzed her pursuit of a career in counseling. She wants to help clients navigate these storms and emerge hopeful even when life seems hopeless. Therapy is the first step.

If you are looking for a counseling therapist that will meet you where you are at and has the experience to treat you holistically, you have found your match. Julie Saragosa would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to hope and healing.

Apart from serving the Lancaster community as a therapist, Julie also teaches hatha yoga. She loves to read books on counseling, spirituality, memoirs, biographies, and historical non-fiction. Julie also enjoys daily journaling and spending time with friends and family. Traveling domestically and internationally has been a consistent interest, as well as being active and present outdoors through swimming, biking, hiking, and camping.