Julia Costa

My Story

Growing up as an empathic, neurodivergent child with childhood trauma, I understand the impacts of being misunderstood, and the challenge involved in self-discovery and authentic self-expression. From a young age, I have been highly attuned to other’s emotional experiences, a skill I have been able to refine over years of study and practice. This skill, along with personal experience, helps me connect with clients in a way that allows them to feel safe, seen, and supported. I believe healing happens when we are held in a place of unconditional positive regard and can show up exactly as we are. All parts of you are welcome, celebrated, and tended to in this therapeutic space. Together we can overcome challenges and blocks to work towards a life that feels uniquely good and true to you! 

I am a queer, LGBTQIA -affirming, neurodiversity celebrating, trauma-informed therapist, and political social worker. I am passionate about supporting adolescents and teens navigate life transitions, explore their identity, and manage mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, disordered eating, and grief rooted in trauma and life stressors. I am Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSW-A). I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Mars Hill University in 2023 and Master of Social Work from Western Carolina University in 2025. 

Prior to my social work education journey, I worked in organic vegetable and flower farming, holistic nutrition, and food access initiatives that involved cooking and gardening classes with adolescents. I am a certified Holistic Health Coach and Trauma-Informed Yoga teacher. I am passionate about weaving my love for food, nature, and creative expression into my therapeutic practice as ways to remember our belonging and wholeness. In addition, I utilize evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and play and mindfulness-based modalities to aid in the healing and growing process.

If I am not in the office I am likely hiking with my dog, Eve, playing in my community garden, paddleboarding on the lake, rollerblading, or dancing to my favorite tunes!

I specialize in:

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Self-esteem

•  Self-Expression and Exploration

• Body Image 

• Disordered Eating 

• Grief