Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Whipple.
Hi Julie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was first drawn to the field of psychology in high school. I remember my peers and I having so many similar difficulties around identity, family dynamics, social comparison, school stress, performance anxiety, romantic relationships, etc. The first time I met a therapist, something clicked for me. I realized that I wanted to help people in that same way. Once I got to college, my interest in psychology only grew. So much so, that I ended up pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology. Becoming a psychologist was one of the hardest and most rewarding journeys of my life. Every step of the way, my love of therapy never faltered. However, the systems in which therapy is often provided can be difficult and full of politics. There were many settings in which the number of sessions I was able to provide a client did not match their need. Once I became a licensed psychologist, I started my own private practice in Sierra Madre, CA. While there is still so much disparity in the field of mental health, having my own practice allows me the freedom to address each client’s unique needs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to starting my practice had some bumps along the way. I got licensed as a psychologist the same month that I had my first baby. While I was on maternity leave, the owners of the group practice I had been working at moved out of state. I had always hoped to one day go out on my own, but that would not have been the timing I would have chosen. So, I spent my maternity leave finding an office, registering my business, creating a website, etc. It was a lot to juggle learning to become a mom and opening a business for the first time but I look back on that time with a lot of pride.
As you know, we’re big fans of Julie Whipple Psychology Inc. . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a clinical psychologist and I provide therapy to teens, young adults and adults navigating anxiety, identity exploration, relationship struggles, and executive functioning difficulties. I take a relational, neurodiversity-affirming (ADHD, Autism, etc.) and trauma-informed approach to therapy. I take pride in being a highly knowledgeable and skilled clinician, but I think what actually makes me very effective as a therapist is that I truly want the best for my clients. I understand how easy it is to go through life feeling unseen and misunderstood. So, being able to witness people for who they are and to walk with them as they unravel why they interact with the world the way that they do, is a true honor. My hope for each of my clients is that they leave therapy feeling more grounded, connected, and authentically themselves.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of my favorite things about living on Los Angeles is that I have met so many people who are truly living their dreams. That atmosphere can be infectious. I come from a small town and most of my friends parents worked for the same company. So, it is so fun and interesting learning how different people come from all over the world to LA, to live out their passions.
Easily my least favorite part of LA is how difficult it is for people to afford to live here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drjuliewhipple.com/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/julie-r-whipple-sierra-madre-ca/1047941
