About Julie Bonnell, MA, LPC, LAC

 Hi, I’m Julie!

Not only do I specialize in Eating Disorders, but I have lived the change that you are about to undertake. Through the lens of my own personal healing work, I understand eating issues from the inside out. Eating issues can be one of the most challenging issues out there . . . different that other addictive struggles . . .

because we need food to live!

I am committed to helping those who struggle with all types of eating issues to develop a healthy relationship with food and eating.

My work focuses on acknowledging that you are the “expert” on yourself and what you desire for your future goals around eating, weight and body image. With over 20 years of experience there isn’t much I haven’t seen, heard, or lived through myself.  You will have a space where there is no shame and no judgment, so you can share what you are honestly struggling with and can discover a path for lasting change.

At the depth of my eating struggles, I had no time for life and lived with anxiety, depression, fear and obsessive thoughts around food, weight and body image. Ultimately, I was able to work through my issues in therapy to where I can now focus on the things that make life worth living . . .my amazing life partner, my 3 tabby cats, my puppy, and enjoying movies as well as camping. I love visiting tropical climates where I can admire the wildlife, beautiful flowers and swim in the ocean.

My Approach

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addictions Counselor and Advanced Gestalt Therapist, and have been practicing for the past 20 years in Arvada, Colorado, in the field of outpatient mental health, eating disorders, and addictions.    I have extensive experience utilizing a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).  This allows me to strategically use the best aspects of CBT, DBT and ACT to personalize treatment with each individual client.  That said, what truly sets my approach apart is how the principles of Gestalt are at its core or “are the heart and soul” of my work with clients.   I often use Gestalt techniques to help clients understand and change their relationship with self, others and food.  Other Gestalt skills, which emphasize the mind-body connection, can be instrumental to help clients solidly anchor positive changes into their bodies and into their present-day lives.  Overwhelmingly my clients have articulated that, in their experience, this has been the most potent and powerful combination to aid them in their journey to recovery from eating issues.   

In addition, Gestalt works for many clients as I truly believe that effective counseling deals with "unfinished business" and patterns from our past, which play out in our lives today.  Once identified and challenged, clients can then live more fully in the present and find "choice", where they make the key changes that will truly sustain into the future. 

Through the combination of my clinical and personal experience, I have a pretty good understanding of what it takes for people to actually change.  It's not overnight and it's not easy.  That said, meaningful change can occur more quickly than most people believe . . . when they are grounded in honesty, authenticity, and open for self-reflection.  This includes an exploration of old patterns that may feel like “old friends” but now are ineffective and over-riding even the best of intentions around healthy food choices.  

I will be a partner in your journey, someone who is supportive and yet challenging, when necessary.  Essentially, I uphold a safe space where you can use your curiosity and creativity to ultimately transform your relationship with food and achieve lasting results.

Credentials

Licensed Professional Counselor since 2006

Licensed Addictions Counselor since 2004

Graduate degree: Regis University, Denver, CO 2003

Undergraduate degree: University of Colorado, Boulder 1998

Advanced Gestalt Therapist Certification 2004

Hakomi Developmental Training Certification 2001