Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Maurer

Hi Julia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I had been working for a well-established group practice before venturing into private practice as a psychotherapist. With my primary focus being my family, I found joy in my employment by a group practice because all I needed to do was show up, do what I love and go home. And that worked for a while, I was able to maintain my personal and professional boundaries until I realized how much of a profit loss there was. The group practice had a lot of overhead and so I understood that part of my paycheck deserved to support the billing department, intake team and office management. But then I began to play with the idea of, what if I am the overhead? Thats where my business was born.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Starting my business has been a remarkably smooth journey, thanks to my commitment to tackling each step methodically. By adopting a solution-focused approach, I was able to channel my energy into addressing one challenge at a time, which minimized distractions and kept me on track. By prioritizing practical solutions and maintaining a clear, step-by-step mindset, I streamlined the process and made steady progress, turning potential obstacles into manageable milestones.
Engaging in my practice as both a psychotherapist and a business owner is something I consider vitally important, and I strive to approach each role with a sense of ease. However, when the demands of these roles become overwhelming, stressful, or anxiety-inducing, I make it a priority to take proactive measures to regulate them. By restructuring my approach and identifying manageable steps that align with my comfort zone, I ensure that I maintain a balanced and effective practice. This commitment to self-regulation allows me to navigate challenges with clarity and resilience, ultimately enhancing my effectiveness in both my therapeutic work and business endeavors.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

As a solution-focused psychotherapist, I created my private practice out of a self instilled necessity to build something tangible that was entirely my own. Having experienced firsthand the impact of working in a group practice, where I watched my paycheck get cut in half, it became clear that I needed to create my own path. This pivotal moment spurred me to start my own endeavor, driven by the desire for greater control and stability.

I began my career as a school social worker, where I honed my skills using a family systems approach. This foundation was further enriched by my experience working with a nonprofit, where I learned the critical importance of entrepreneurial motivation, direction, and practical application of my work. My journey continued in a group practice, where I focused on applying therapy with children, teens, adults, and couples dealing with diagnoses such as: generalized anxiety, major depression, OCD, and trauma. It was in this setting that I discovered a renewed sense of energy and motivation, deeply engaging with whole person perspective and utilizing appropriate interventions to effectively address diverse client needs and challenges.

When I launched my own practice, I branded myself as a solution-focused psychotherapist, a designation that resonated strongly with potential patients. During initial consultations, I explain my therapeutic approach, emphasizing how I help clients acquire, construct, and utilize new tools and techniques they previously lacked. I stress the importance of not only developing these strategies but also maintaining them for long-term success. The most rewarding aspect of my work is when patients report achieving their therapy goals and feel empowered to make their own decisions, signaling that they are ready to conclude their therapy with a renewed sense of self-determination.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

I offer Telehealth services to residents across California, enabling me to connect with clients from various regions of the state, regardless of their location. This flexibility not only supports local clients but also broadens my reach, attracting patients from opposite ends of California and helping me grow my clientele through effective Telehealth marketing.

Additionally, I provide in-person therapy in Newport Beach, where my practice benefits from individual referrals, further enhancing my visibility and reputation within the local community. This dual approach of virtual and in-person services allows me to effectively serve a diverse range of clients while expanding my professional network.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliasternmaurerlcsw.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliasternmaurerlcsw/