Julie Mermelstein, LMFT
After working as a Marriage & Family Therapist, patient advocate, drug education teacher, hotline counselor for abused women, and even an actress and a stand-up comic, I am confident I’ve learned a few things about human behavior. I have always been fascinated by the human condition, and continue to be in awe of the resilience of the human spirit. I have had the privilege of being a part of the healing process for a multitude of children, families, men, women, and couples from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. I have traveled extensively all over the world where I was able to work and live amongst varying cultures. I grew up in a liberal home in NYC that allowed me to develop into a deeply compassionate, tolerant, patient and highly insightful person.
My passion for substance abuse recovery runs deep, which has lead me to commit myself to helping others recover from addiction. I have over 20 years of personal and professional experience in this field. With willingness there is a solution. If you are looking for someone to help you get sober and stay sober I’m a safe and reliable source of guidance and support. I will ground you in the realities of addiction and help you to create a spiritual program that will help to prevent relapse and allow you to lead a joy filled balanced life.
I’ve been through some very hard times as a child and as an adult. I know what it’s like to feel deep despair and fear. I also know how to turn that despair and fear into spiritual growth and joy beyond what you may think you’re capable of. I ’m not afraid to go where you need to go and I will guide you with great care and respect. I believe we all have a calling, and this is mine. I believe the best in people and our ability to be resilient and heal from what seems insurmountable. I have experienced and witnessed extraordinary levels of healing, I know it’s possible. I will meet you where you are and we’ll take this journey together. My toolbox is full, overflowing with humor, creativity, insight, and desire to see you living your best life.
One of my professors from graduate school said that we could read all the books and learn all the theories but we wouldn’t really learn anything until we got in the room with our clients. I have found this to be true — the real learning is in being with others and connecting. It’s in creating a safe space, a container for others to feel their full range of emotions and self reflect that transformation can take place. Everyone needs to be seen, heard, cared for and given the room to explore, emote, stumble and ultimately discover who they really are. I have been given this privilege and I want to extend my hand to anyone who wants to do the same. When you make the effort to heal you also help the world to heal.
“There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom.”