Meet Your Treatment Team

Life is full of stressors and sometimes it can become overwhelming. You don’t have to struggle through it alone. Our team of therapists are passionate about accompanying you through the rewarding process of therapy. Our goal is to empower you to identify your pain points and create an action plan using the research-backed strategies. We also specialize in integrating the Catholic/Christian faith with the science of psychology using faith-informed counseling for those who would like this option.

You can read more about our team of therapists below.

Julia Hogan-Werner, LCPC
Owner, Supervisor, Therapist

(Note: Julia’s waitlist is full and she is not accepting new clients at this time.)
I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and I believe that therapy is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Where else can you experience the benefits of working on the changes you want to make with an experienced professional in a confidential, one-on-one setting?

I work alongside my clients to help them create a roadmap to help them find healing and a real sense of direction in life using my collaborative and compassionate approach.

I know from the workshops I've given, the feedback on my books, It’s OK to Start with You and A Work in Progress: Embracing the Life God Gave You, my writing at Verily Magazine and The Grotto Network, and the hundreds of client's I've worked with, how rewarding and life-changing the work of therapy can be. I live for those moments when my clients choose to face life's difficult moments with courage and hope.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, life decisions, or just not feeling like yourself, therapy can help you identify and make the changes you’ve been wanting to make. I use research-supported treatment tools including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused strategies to help you live your best life.

I believe that having the courage to confront the messiness of life can help you uncover your unique and authentic purpose in day to day life. And isn't that what being human is all about?

My specialties include:
-Individuals 21+
-Faith-based therapy
-Women’s Mental and Emotional Health
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Grief/Loss
-Life Transitions
(Note: Julia’s waitlist is full and she is not accepting new clients at this time.)

Stephanie Sullivan, LCPC
Therapist

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and I believe that therapy is a place where individuals can become more authentically themselves and discover how to live in a way that moves them toward what they value most in life. It can be a challenging process to let go of behaviors or mindsets that are not helping you live most fully, and therapy is a supportive and safe place to work through this process. 

I value building authentic therapeutic relationships in which clients are free to be vulnerable and feel heard. I believe in the resiliency of clients and empower them to recognize and lean into their inner strengths. Through my work with clients I have seen how powerful therapy can be. I believe in the mind-body connection and value a whole-person approach to working with clients. 

Therapy can be helpful if you are struggling with life transitions, navigating relationships, body image concerns, or just feeling overwhelmed with the stressors of daily life.  I believe there is no ‘one size fits all’ for therapy and collaboration with clients is a key aspect of the therapeutic process. I utilize evidence based treatment methods including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and Internal Family Systems Therapy.  

Beginning therapy can be difficult because it requires vulnerability and courage.  I have seen the positive impact that vulnerability and courage can have in my own life and in the lives of others. Through therapy I have seen individuals live more authentically, heal old wounds, and reach their goals.   

My specialities include:
-Adults (Men & Women)
-Faith-based therapy
-Anxiety
-Relationships
-Life Transitions
-Body image concerns
-Disordered eating

Julie Larkin, MS
Clinical Intern

I am a passionate proponent of the dignity and purpose of every person. I believe that each individual is designed to live out his or her unique mission in this world.  However, sometimes life’s bumps and bruises get in the way of living the life we were called to live. Therapy has the powerful ability to heal these wounds and provide hope for our future. 

As the founder and executive director of Girl Talk, I have witnessed hundreds of women struggle to recognize their inherent self-worth in the midst of insecurities, shame, and self-harm. Through struggles with mental health, body image, and relationships, I listened as they desperately shared their longing for love and belonging. Am I enough? Am I worthy? Am I lovable? This heartbreaking yet enlightening journey led me to pursue my masters in clinical mental health counseling from Wake Forest University.

I am thrilled to begin my clinical journey with Vita Optimum in order to provide women and men with the tangible tools to live a free and full life! My hope is that every person I encounter will be one step closer to confidently radiating their authentic identity. 

My specialities include:

-Teens & Adults (Men & Women)
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Body Image
-Self-Worth & Confidence
-Relationships
-Values-Based Integration

Blanca G Rodriguez 
Clinical Intern

I am often described as a compassionate, attentive and joyful person. I enjoy encountering others and learning to see the world from their eyes and discovering how their experiences have impacted their lives. 

I believe that therapy should be accessible to people of all backgrounds, as a First Generation Latina I am excited to become a therapist and help both Spanish and English speaking clients. I am passionate about understanding the impact that our culture has on the way we think, act and make decisions that form our lives. I consider that therapy is a place of accompaniment where an individual can come as they are and learn how to become the best and fullest version of themselves. All while learning to love and accept all phases of their lives while growing and learning to love themselves in that process. 

Though it can be a difficult decision to start therapy, it is an important one. Therapy not only allows you to look within and understand yourself but it is also a great opportunity to work alongside a therapist that can guide you in whichever phase of life you are in in order for you to live more fully and authentically. I look forward to forming authentic transformative relationships with my clients in order for them to feel seen and heard fully. I am most interested in providing Movement Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Person Centered Therapy and Group Therapy. 

My specialties include:
-Young Adults & Teens (Men & Women)
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Healthy Relationships
-Life Transitions
-Faith-based therapy