About Julia Mudarri
Hi, I’m Julia.
All of us struggle with fears, anxieties, and past experiences that weigh us down, but I’ve learned through my personal and professional challenges that the only thing we have is right now. Through mindfulness and evidence-based approaches, my aim as a therapist is to help clients develop new emotional understanding and perspective in the moment.
I believe that life is about learning to tune into the moment and start the process of becoming a better and better version of the person you already are. Therapy is what helps you get there.
My Background & Counseling Philosophy
My career started out in the classroom as an elementary school teacher, where I became increasingly interested in psychological development and parenting issues. I recognized that a lot of families coming through my classroom needed support, so I made a pivot and sought to deepen my skills by pursuing a career in counseling.
In addition to the extensive education and training I received, my personal experiences have shaped my life philosophy and counseling approach. Having struggled with such challenges as divorce, coming out, and depression, I learned that our relationships—both with ourselves and others—are the foundation of our happiness, purpose, and fulfillment. Once I learned how to change the relationship I had with myself, I was able to find joy in life while also learning how to be my best self for those I love.
When I became a parent, this journey of self-improvement continued, as parenting my own kids truly made me a better person. I was fortunate to have many teachers and mentors along the way who opened my eyes to a new way of fostering close bonds with my children in a way that set them up to be happy, healthy adults.
Through my relationships, I have learned essential aspects of communication, personal growth, boundary-setting, and cultivating connection. I’ve also developed an immense appreciation for the calming effects of nature, which offer us perspective on something greater than ourselves and a respite from the screens, stress, and demands of daily life.
What To Expect When Working Together
Given my background, my services are particularly well-suited for adults and couples—especially those with children. My areas of specialty include couples work, life transitions including grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and women’s-specific issues. Using elements of mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Gestalt, my goal is to help clients foster a sense of emotional awareness in the moment, leading to lasting healing and change.
My practice is unique in that, while talk therapy is involved, the process is very individualized and interactive. I like to provide clients with opportunities to experiment by getting out in nature, using art and music, and learning hands-on skills to create new experiences and interpretations of their challenges. This creative approach invites humor and exploration in a way that yields lasting solutions. I view the therapeutic process as an invitation, always moving at a pace that helps clients to feel both safe and empowered.
Outside The Counseling Space
When I’m not working, I try to stay involved and offer support to communities in need. Currently, I am working to restore a community garden. as a way to further assist clients and the community at large.
I also love to nurture my creative and environmentally oriented sides when possible. Getting out in nature is important for me to do in my spare time, whether I’m hiking or gardening. At home, I’m usually busy with a craft project, often painting, throwing pottery, or building things.
“Spread The Love Everywhere You Go. Let No One Ever Come To You Without Leaving Happier.”
-Mother Theresa
Love is a basic human need above food, water, and shelter—and it all begins with love of yourself. Therapy can teach you how to become present and connected with yourself and in your relationships.
For more information about how therapy can help you or to schedule an appointment, contact me. Sessions are available online to residents throughout California and in-person to those local to Grass Valley, CA.
Julia Mudarri is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) serving clients throughout California. Alongside a Master’s Degree in Holistic Psychology from JFK University, she is certified to teach graduate-level courses. She has training in Process Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent Effectiveness, and the Positive Discipline parenting model. Julia works with individual adults and couples in counseling.