Green Room Optimal Wellness is special to me (Juliana, owner) because I have found deep value in my own self-exploration journey and am eager to use my knowledge and skills to create the safe space for others to embark on their journey of discovery and growth. I’m here to help you find your green room— your space that will allow you to reach optimum wellness and live a life that is more fulfilling.
What is a green room?
A green room is a term that many surfers use when they are in the perfect wave- one that is fully enclosed and offering a beautiful moment of zen and connection to the elements. The wave fully surrounds you and offers support and direction, while the rays of sun make their way through the blue waters to create a green glow and sense of serenity.
How does this relate to therapy?
As humans, we are often taught to swim and left to our devices. We are taught that swimming will allow us to keep our head above the water, get from point A to B, and support us in achieving our goals. Many folks are able to acknowledge that this isn’t fulfilling and will find themselves struggling to swim without the tools or motivation to find a sense of direction.
I found myself in this same position and was feeling frustrated that I was swimming and “doing all of the right things” but still feeling unsatisfied and extremely exhausted. My therapist at the time finally told me that swimming was helping me survive but what is helping me grow?
Life isn’t only about swimming - we must also embrace the power and beauty that the ocean offers and learn to ride the waves.
In that moment, I opened myself up to learn something new, break old patterns, and admit that I wanted something more for myself. The tools and encouragement I received were my “surfboard” that ultimately helped me learn to befriend the very thing that historically broke me down and work toward finding my green room(s) in the solstice of a wave.
In working together, I plan on offering support to meet you where you are at and welcome you into a space of safety to create hope for something greater. Get unstuck. Rest and relax. Find pride in how far you’ve come, and how long you’ve been swimming for. Let’s explore tools that allow you to begin riding the waves with feelings of confidence and fulfillment, instead of bracing yourself for each one with feelings of defeat and exhaustion. Every human deserves to find their green room.
You deserve to find your Green Room.
Meet Juliana!
Again- thank you for being here! I’m the practice owner here at Green Room Optimal Wellness and I’m excited to share small steps toward expanding my practice! These small steps will be intentional, as I want to nurture what I feel passionate about and maintain a strong focus on my caseload. A large part of the work I do is ensuring that we have a strong therapeutic alliance which means that you deserve to know a bit about myself to allow our alliance to form and create safety and trust!
I was born in raised in central Pennsylvania where I grew up playing sports, spending a TON of time outdoors, and sharing new music with my friends. I still enjoy being active, spending time outside with my dogs, and exploring new music to share with my friends, family, and wife.
I went to Pennsylvania State University for my undergraduate work and immediately moved to Pittsburgh to further my education. While I was in Pittsburgh, I met my now-wife, who was there for work. We spent a handful of weeks together before her time in Pittsburgh was up and she had to return back home to Nashville. Upon completing my program at Carlow University, I moved to Nashville to pursue my relationship more seriously and start my post-graduate career.
I’ve been in private practice since 2021 and have also enjoyed working in non-profit settings, inpatient psychiatric settings, and therapeutic camps. Regardless of the environment, I take pride in building strong working relationships and allowing client-centered care to remain my focus.
Favorite Food: Ice cream
Favorite Hobby: Film photography
Favorite Self-Care: Exploring new music
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Animal: Giraffe!!
But also, MY ANIMALS. I have two tuxedo cats, Billy and Mr. Pickles, and two dogs, Dozer and Kona.
Meet Ushta!
I am currently a second-year Counseling Psychology Doctoral student at the University of Memphis. I earned my master’s degree from Santa Clara University in Counseling Psychology with a dual emphasis in Health Psychology and LGBTQIA+ Counseling. During this time, I gained clinical experience working at a Community College supporting young adults through this important life-transition. I also had the opportunity to work at a specialized branch of a Community Mental Health Clinic that supported Transitional Age Youth in the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
In therapeutic practice, I adopt an integrative approach using aspects of person-centered approaches including queer and feminist therapy while combining constructivist approaches that focus on meaning and meaning making. I strive to adapt my approach to the needs of my clients to ensure that they feel seen, heard and supported.
I have a special interest in issues related to sex therapy, sexuality, sexual and gender identity development, Self-esteem, Self-care and wellbeing. I have experience working with the college age population as well as those in academic settings. I also hold deep value in supporting therapists in training through their journey in becoming helping professionals.
I strongly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy and the additional support that it provides. I value openness, authenticity and intentionality and do my best to bring these traits into my therapeutic relationships. Outside of school and clinical work, I enjoy spending time with my partner, going on walks, watching movies/shows, listening to music, and going to concerts.
Favorite Food: Chocolate Cake
Favorite Hobby: Listening to music
Favorite Self-Care: Spending time with my partner
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Animal: Dogs
To reach the best versions of ourselves, we must first acknowledge where we are in this moment.
From there, we can GROW.
Let’s Chat!
Schedule a consultation call to learn more about how GROW can support you, ask questions about therapy, and make the move toward growth and healing!