Julie Simons, LCSW

12/31/2025

What did this year quietly teach that you almost missed?

Not a big, obvious lesson—a subtle ones.
Maybe a shift in a relationship.
A boundary you finally honored.
The dream you stopped postponing.
A version of myself
you started becoming without even noticing.
A baby step in a direction that matters.
An self-acknowledgement or appreciation that could easily slip under the radar.

Before we rush into a new year full of goals and noise, take a moment to sit with some small truths that shaped you.

What’s one lesson—loud or quiet—that you’re carrying forward?

12/31/2025

A powerful exploration of generational healing.

I recently encountered this beautiful, intimate portrait of one family’s journey toward wholeness. It offers a deeply moving look at how the women in a single lineage navigate and ultimately struggle to heal from the traumatic legacy of sexual abuse by a patriarch. It’s a profound testament to resilience and the complex process of breaking cycles.

Highly recommended for those who appreciate stories that expose difficult truths with courage and sensitivity.

Watch Great Photo, Lovely Life on HBO Max. Plans start at $10.99/month. Renowned photojournalist Amanda Mustard returns home to Pennsylvania to investigate the multiple sexual abuse crimes committed by her grandfather in this documentary.

12/22/2025

How human attention is monetized & exploited - worth watching.

Watch 15 Minutes of Shame on HBO Max. Plans start at $10.99/month. Monica Lewinsky and filmmaker Max Joseph (Catfish) examine the human price of public shaming and cyber-harassment, profiling people who have experienced them firsthand while investigating the bullies, bystanders and experts in betwee...

12/04/2025

If you’re a couple in distress here’s an opportunity to be part of a university-sponsored study using Transformative Couples Therapy® (TCT), a positivity-based, experiential approach informed by attachment research and affective neuroscience.

Participants receive 16 sessions with a skillful, licensed TCT therapist at 50% off, plus a 100 dollar gift card upon completing the study.

Eligible couples must reside in CA, CO, CT, FL, KY, MA, MD, NY, or VA and have presenting issues appropriate for a time-limited course of four months of weekly therapy.

For more information or questions contact davidmarsphd@gmail.com

09/02/2025

05/15/2025

I stumbled upon an interview with Kate Truitt, a professional I have great respect for and from whom I have learned so much from the past couple of years. Her depiction of trauma and its consequences, as well as different healing modalities, is definitely worth sharing and may be helpful to others.

Clinical psychologist and applied neuroscientist Dr. Kate Truitt shares the powerful science behind telling your story as a method of healing from traumatic events.   To access Dr. Truitt’s “CPR for the Amygdala” exercises, including mindful touch...

05/08/2025

Here's A Simple Technique to Find Calm Quick

Take a quick double inhale, like two sniffs through the nose one right after another followed by a long exhale through the mouth and repeat 3-5 times.

This is called The Physiological Sigh and it will regulate your heart rate in 20-30 seconds.

Lungs tend to collapse as we get stressed which increases the carbon dioxide in our blood stream resulting in decreased oxygen that amplifies feelings of agitation.

The double inhale reinflates the lung sacks and the long exhale helps to rid your body and bloodstream of carbon dioxide more effectively which results in a rapid relaxation effect.

I like practicing this breath when I'm driving, but it's especially helpful anytime your stress level spikes.

This is an example of the kind of self-regulation tools I offer clients to take control of their emotional health.

Send a message to learn more

05/04/2025

Interesting documentary reflecting how childhood has changed, especially with regard to the increasing exposure to technology. (You can also find it on Amazon Prime).

The mental health of our children is statistically at an all-time low. Kids spend more time online and less engaging in real life, free play, and autonomy. C...

05/03/2025

10/17/2024

09/29/2024

Just finished reading Marc Brackett's book Permission To Feel and was impressed with his research and presentation on the importance of emotional intelligence in relationships, work, school, parenting, leadership, etc. A good resource to pass along...

Discover 'Permission to Feel' by Marc Brackett, a groundbreaking book on emotional intelligence. Learn strategies to understand and harness emotions for success and well-being in both adults and children.

07/08/2024

Here's a new self-help app I highly recommend! Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; designed by Dr. David Burns, it utilizes the TEAM-CBT approach, which I've found effective both personally and professionally. Let me know what you think...